SAN LUIS POTOSI, Mexico (Interstat) — The Santos de San Luis Potosi overcame a third-quarter deficit to complete a two-game home sweep of Irapuato with a 78-71 victory in a Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional contest Friday night at Auditorio General Miguel Barragan.

In a game that defied pregame statistical projections, the host Santos used a dominant fourth-quarter performance to pull away from a struggling Irapuato squad. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a high-scoring affair with Irapuato winning 102-87, while its ELO system gave San Luis Potosi a 74.4 percent probability to win. The actual result was a gritty, defensive battle far removed from those expectations.

San Luis Potosi improved its season record to 5-11, while Irapuato’s dismal season continued, dropping them to 1-15.

The game was a tale of contrasting halves. Irapuato held a narrow 33-32 lead at halftime and exploded for 24 points in the third quarter to take a 57-52 advantage into the final period. However, the Santos defense locked down in the fourth, holding Irapuato to just 14 points while their own offense found its rhythm, pouring in 24 points to secure the win.

The victory was powered by a historic performance from San Luis Potosi small forward Luismal Ferreiras. In just 31 minutes of action, Ferreiras recorded a monstrous double-double, scoring 19 points and pulling down a staggering 23 rebounds. His work on the glass, which included 10 offensive rebounds, was instrumental in the Santos effort.

He was complemented by point guard Mike Nuga, who led all scorers with 23 points. Shooting guard Jaire Grayer filled the stat sheet with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks.

For Irapuato, small forward Harrison Butler led the team with 18 points. He was supported by shooting guard Xavier Green, who added 15 points and 8 rebounds, and power forward J.P. Moorman, who chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. Point guard Brandon Boyd dished out a game-high 6 assists to go with his 11 points.

The statistical breakdown revealed the keys to the game. San Luis Potosi’s significant advantage on the boards was decisive; they outrebounded Irapuato 47-36, including a 10-3 edge on the offensive glass that led to crucial second-chance opportunities. The Santos also shared the ball more effectively, registering 8 assists to Irapuato’s 3, and were more disruptive defensively, tallying 8 steals compared to just 3 for the visitors.

While both teams shot an identical 26 field goals, San Luis Potosi’s efficiency from the free-throw line proved critical. They made 17 of 25 attempts from the charity stripe, while Irapuato converted on 10 of 13. Irapuato also committed 10 turnovers, leading to extra possessions for the Santos.

The win completes a back-to-back sweep for San Luis Potosi, who defeated Irapuato 87-69 just one night prior. San Luis Potosi will look to build on the momentum when they host Dorados for a two-game series beginning Friday, Sept. 26. Irapuato, mired in a lengthy losing streak, will travel to face Gambusinos on the same date.