Puerto Varas edges Puerto Montt in thrilling SAESA derby, 88-86

In a tense, high-stakes clash within the Chile Liga SAESA, CDSC Puerto Varas SAESA held off a fierce comeback from Puerto Montt to secure a narrow 88-86 victory on June 28, 2026. The match, played in front of an electric home crowd, saw the home side withstand a late surge and seal the win with clutch free throws in the final seconds.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showed their intent to control the tempo. Puerto Varas built an early lead behind efficient inside scoring and aggressive perimeter defense, but Puerto Montt answered with sharp three-point shooting and quick transitions. By halftime, the gap remained slim, setting the stage for a second half full of momentum swings.

Key Moments

• Puerto Varas early push: The home team opened a 10-point advantage midway through the third quarter, capitalizing on Puerto Montt turnovers.
• Puerto Montt rally: A 12-2 run in the fourth quarter tied the game at 84-84 with under two minutes left, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
• Decisive final sequence: Puerto Varas guard converted a difficult layup and then split a pair of free throws, while Puerto Montt missed a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.

Standout Performers

For the winners, a balanced scoring attack was key, with three players reaching double figures. The home team's frontcourt dominated the boards, limiting Puerto Montt to second-chance opportunities. On the other side, Puerto Montt's leading scorer poured in 28 points, but lacked sufficient support in the closing minutes.

Season and Table Impact

The victory keeps CDSC Puerto Varas SAESA among the top contenders in the Liga SAESA standings, while Puerto Montt slips just outside the playoff spots. This intense regional rivalry and the high-scoring nature of the contest underline the competitiveness of the league as teams jostle for position ahead of the postseason.