On a competitive night in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional, the Soles de Mexicali held off a late surge to defeat El Calor de Cancun, 89-86, at the home crowd's delight on August 31, 2026. The win not only added to Mexicali’s strong home record but also showcased the kind of veteran composure that has made the Soles a perennial title contender in Mexico’s top basketball league.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showed why the LNBP is known for its physical, fast-paced style. The Soles set the tempo behind aggressive drives and crisp ball movement, building a lead that hovered around double digits through the first half. However, El Calor de Cancun refused to fade. With a disciplined defensive adjustment and timely three-point shooting, the visitors clawed all the way back, turning the final minutes into a one-possession thriller.

The home team managed to keep its nerve down the stretch. Free throws and crucial rebounds in the final 30 seconds sealed the 89-86 result, moving Mexicali into a strong early-season position in the LNBP standings.

Key Moments

• First-half control: Soles de Mexicali used an 8-0 run late in the second quarter to take a comfortable lead into the break.
• Third-quarter response: El Calor de Cancun opened the third period with a 14-2 run, erasing the deficit and setting up a tense finish.
• Clutch defense: With under a minute left, Mexicali forced a difficult contested jumper from El Calor’s primary scorer, securing the rebound that led to game-clinching free throws.

Tactical Story

The Soles’ game plan centered on attacking the paint and collapsing El Calor’s defense. By generating high-percentage looks inside, Mexicali consistently put pressure on the visiting frontcourt. Defensively, the Soles switched between man-to-man and a matchup zone, disrupting the rhythm of Cancun’s perimeter shooters for long stretches.

El Calor showcased their resilience by spreading the floor and running side pick-and-roll actions. Their comeback relied on ball speed and off-ball screens, which created open looks from beyond the arc. Despite the loss, the visiting side proved they can compete with the LNBP’s elite on any given night.

Standout Performances

This was a collective effort for Mexicali, with multiple players reaching double figures. The backcourt duo controlled the tempo, while a strong showing on the offensive glass gave the Soles precious second-chance opportunities. For El Calor, a scoring burst from their sixth man capped a spirited comeback, and their rebounding effort kept the game alive until the final whistle.

Impact on the Standings

The 89-86 victory gives Soles de Mexicali early momentum in the LNBP regular season. With a balanced schedule and playoff positioning always tight in the Mexican league, every home win carries extra value. El Calor de Cancun, meanwhile, will look to turn this narrow road defeat into a learning experience as they return home to regroup in front of their own fans.