MEXICO CITY (Interstat) — In a pivotal late-season NBA G League clash, the Rip City Remix edged the Mexico City Capitanes 113-108 on Wednesday night at Mexico City Arena, overcoming a spectacular 35-point performance from the Capitanes’ James Bouknight.

The game, a tightly contested battle between teams jockeying for playoff positioning, was ultimately decided by Rip City’s dominance on the glass and a critical scoring run in the final minutes. The Remix improved to 28-23, while Mexico City fell to 28-21.

Rip City’s Alex Reese, named the game’s top star, delivered a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring a relentless rebounding effort. The Remix outrebounded the Capitanes 48-34, including a staggering 15-4 advantage on the offensive boards that led to 19 second-chance points.

Despite the rebounding disparity, Mexico City stayed within striking distance throughout, fueled by Bouknight’s scoring outburst and 26 points from R.J. Melendez. The Capitanes also forced 15 Rip City turnovers, converting them into 22 points.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the fourth quarter with the outcome still in doubt. After a Melendez 3-pointer brought Mexico City within three points at 104-101 with just over a minute remaining, Rip City’s Chris Youngblood answered with a clutch pull-up jumper. Following a Bouknight basket, Youngblood was fouled and sank two free throws to push the lead back to five.

On the ensuing possession, Bouknight missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer with 45 seconds left. Youngblood secured the defensive rebound and, after a Remix timeout, drove for a layup to extend the lead to 111-105 with 23 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the victory.

Youngblood finished with 19 points for Rip City. Jaylen Martin added 13 points and five assists, while Liam Robbins and Jayson Kent each contributed 12 points. Kent also grabbed six rebounds.

For Mexico City, Bouknight’s 35 points came on 12-of-24 shooting, including five 3-pointers. Wade Taylor provided a spark off the bench with 15 points. The Capitanes shot 40% from the field as a team but were hampered by 29 personal fouls compared to Rip City’s 22.

The game was a showcase of contrasting styles. Rip City’s offensive efficiency, posting a 122.3 rating on 92 possessions, overcame a lower assist total (5) by capitalizing on extra opportunities. Mexico City, with a 107.9 offensive rating, distributed the ball more effectively with 11 assists but could not compensate for Rip City’s rebounding supremacy.

The win gives Rip City a 2-1 season series advantage over Mexico City, having split a two-game set in the Mexican capital in early February. The Remix continue their road trip Friday at Stockton.