SANTO DOMINGO (Interstat) — Soles will look to protect home court and continue their strong season Friday when they host Aguascalientes at Soles Court in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Soles brings a 20-6 record, while the visiting Panteras are 15-17. The matchup is the latest in a series that has been competitive, with Soles taking the most recent meeting 80-76 and Aguascalientes winning the previous contest 82-75.

Aguascalientes will lean on Augusto Lima, who had 9 points and 11 rebounds in the most recent meeting. Lima has been productive on the glass in recent games, including a 12-point, seven-rebound effort against Lobos Plateados and a 10-rebound game against the same opponent. The Panteras will need that interior presence as they try to keep pace with a Soles team that has been among the stronger sides in the league.

Soles counter with Connor Milton Zinaich, who had 11 points and seven rebounds in the most recent meeting. Zinaich has shown scoring ability in recent appearances, including 15 points against Abejas and 22 points against Fuerza Regia. Joe Thomasson and Philip Scrubb also were productive in the most recent meeting, with each scoring 14 points, giving Soles multiple options on the perimeter and in transition.

The home team has been especially steady, with a 20-6 record that reflects one of the better marks in the league. Aguascalientes, at 15-17, will be looking to build momentum and close the gap in the standings. Soles has recent wins over Gambusinos by scores of 71-57 and 69-62, while Aguascalientes has recent victories over Lobos Plateados by 107-88 and 93-84. The Panteras’ most recent outing ended in an 80-76 loss at Soles, and they will look to reverse that result on the same court. The Panteras have shown the ability to compete in the series, but they will need a strong defensive effort at Soles Court to slow a Soles offense that can score in bunches.

Soles will try to use their home court and depth to secure another win before the teams meet again in Aguascalientes in their next two scheduled games. Aguascalientes will focus on Lima and a balanced supporting cast as it attempts to improve its position. The game is set for Friday at Soles Court.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Soles 93, Aguascalientes 85. Interstat’s ELO system gives Soles a 74.5 percent probability to win. Soles is a pregame favorite with a spread of minus 11.5. The over/under for the game is 164.