AP Sports Preview

CHIHUAHUA, Mexico (Interstat) — The Dorados (13-11) host the Irapuato (1-16) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Gimnasio Manuel Bernardo Aguirre in a Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional matchup.

Irapuato enters with the league’s worst record, having lost 16 of 17 games this season. The team’s only victory came Sept. 9, a 94-84 home win against Xalapa. Since then, Irapuato has dropped seven straight, including a 78-84 loss at Gambusinos on Sept. 26 in its most recent game. Forward Harrison Butler, center Myles Carter and guard Xavier Green were the leading scorers in that contest.

Dorados have struggled recently as well, losing two of their last three. They fell 89-83 at Diablos Rojos on Oct. 17, following a home loss to the same team three days earlier. But Dorados remain in the upper half of the standings, powered by forward Tyren Johnson, guard A.J. Banks and forward Akia Pruitt, who combined for strong production in the Oct. 17 defeat.

The teams met Friday night in Chihuahua, though no score was immediately available. In their two meetings last season, Dorados dominated, winning 92-66 on Sept. 14, 2025, and 105-74 on Sept. 13, 2025. Both games were in Irapuato.

Irapuato’s offense has struggled throughout the season, averaging just over 70 points per game. Dorados, by contrast, have shown explosive scoring, including a 131-point outburst against Gambusinos on Oct. 2.

Defensively, Dorados have been vulnerable at times, allowing 89 and 81 points in their two losses to Diablos Rojos. Irapuato will look to exploit that, but the visitors have failed to reach 80 points in nine of their last 10 games.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. local time. Dorados are expected to be favored as they seek to halt a two-game skid and solidify their playoff positioning.