SANTO DOMINGO (Interstat) — Soles will host Diablos Rojos on Thursday in a Mexican LNBP matchup at Soles Court in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the home team carrying the stronger record into the game.

Soles are 15-2 this season and have been one of the league’s most consistent teams. Diablos Rojos enter at 8-9 and will look to close the gap on the road against a Soles team that has protected its home floor well. Soles have also posted a 102-75 win over Cancun El Calor and a 100-74 win at Correcaminos. Diablos Rojos have a 101-77 win at Jal. Astros and a 97-87 win over San Luis Potosi.

Erik Thomas is the player to watch for Soles. In his most recent game, Thomas finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block. He also had four points, eight rebounds and three assists in the game before that, and earlier produced 11 points, eight rebounds and one block, plus 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists and 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block in other recent outings. Thomas has given Soles steady production on the boards and in scoring, and his all-around play could be important against Diablos Rojos.

Soles’ most recent result was a 97-64 win over Dorados. Thomas, Brayan Martinez and Joe Thomasson were among the most productive players in that victory. Martinez scored 10 points with two rebounds and four assists, while Thomasson added 10 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Soles have won several games by wide margins this season and will try to dictate pace at home.

Michael Kyser is the player to watch for Diablos Rojos. Kyser had 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists in his most recent game. In the game before that, he recorded 12 points, three rebounds and one block. His rebounding and interior scoring will be key for a Diablos Rojos side seeking an upset.

Diablos Rojos’ most recent result was an 86-67 win over Jal. Astros. Kyser, Rigoberto Mendoza and J. Cruz Saldivar F. led the team in that game. Mendoza had 15 points and eight rebounds, while Cruz Saldivar added 15 points, two rebounds and six assists. The win gave Diablos Rojos positive momentum, but the team has been less consistent than Soles over the season.

The matchup is part of the Mexican LNBP schedule. Soles will rely on their record and home-court setting, while Diablos Rojos will need Kyser and their supporting scorers to perform well to challenge the league leaders. The teams are scheduled to meet again in their next game. Diablos Rojos will then continue a road stretch, while Soles will return home for upcoming games.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Soles to win 85-76.