SAND LAKE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Osceola Magic withstood a furious second-half rally from the Mexico City Capitanes to secure a 119-112 victory in a G League contest Monday afternoon at the Orange County Convention Center.

The game turned on a critical sequence in the final minute. Trailing 117-112, the Capitanes forced a turnover and Wade Taylor IV hit a step-back 3-pointer to cut the deficit to two points with 41 seconds remaining. After an Osceola timeout, Mexico City forced another miscue, giving themselves a chance to tie or take the lead. Taylor’s potential go-ahead 3-point attempt with 23 seconds left missed, but Boo Buie secured the offensive rebound. Following two missed 3-pointers and an offensive board, Taylor scored on a putback with nine seconds left, making it 117-116.

On the ensuing inbound play, Mexico City’s James Bouknight committed a foul and then a technical foul. Osceola’s Ace Baldwin Jr. made two of the three free throws to extend the lead to 119-116. After a Mexico City timeout, Bouknight’s final 3-point attempt to tie missed, and R.J. Melendez’s last-second follow also failed, allowing the Magic to escape.

Osceola built a commanding early lead, capitalizing on a sloppy start by the Capitanes. The Magic led 30-23 after the first quarter and exploded for 36 points in the second, taking a 66-47 advantage into halftime. The Magic’s ball movement and shooting were sharp, with Phillip Wheeler and Lester Quinones providing significant offensive sparks off the bench.

The second half belonged to Mexico City’s relentless push. The Capitanes outscored Osceola 30-20 in the third quarter, fueled by James Bouknight’s scoring and improved defensive energy, to trim the Magic lead to nine. They continued to chip away in the fourth, with Bouknight, Melendez and Isaih Moore leading the charge, setting the stage for the dramatic final minute.

Bouknight led all scorers for Mexico City, demonstrating a prolific shooting performance that keyed the comeback. For Osceola, a balanced attack proved decisive. Alex Morales provided steady two-way play, while Wheeler’s efficient scoring off the bench was crucial in building the early cushion and answering runs. Reece Beekman directed the offense with a team-high assist total, and Quinones added timely perimeter shooting.

With the win, Osceola improved its season record to 9-7. Mexico City fell to 6-9 with the loss. The Magic swept the two-game season series, having also defeated the Capitanes 117-111 on Nov. 13.

Osceola travels to face the Santa Cruz Warriors on Saturday. Mexico City visits the Austin Spurs the same day.