Panteras — Astros: 83:98, LNBP

Astros claimed a 98-83 victory over Panteras in the LNBAP on Thursday, evening the scoreline after their head-to-head meeting earlier in the week. The visitors held firm through the final periods, converting opportunities that the hosts squandered at crucial moments.

Shooting efficiency proved decisive. Astros connected on 35 of 62 field goals while hitting 13 three-pointers, compared to Panteras' 33 of 74 attempts and seven from distance. The extra efficiency from beyond the arc, combined with 15 successful free throws, gave the visitors the margin they needed.

Rebounding told a different story. Panteras grabbed 28 boards including 13 offensive rebounds, working the channels hard to generate second-chance opportunities. Astros dominated the defensive glass with 25 rebounds, limiting those chances and holding their ground through the physical stretches.

Both sides had momentum swings this week. Panteras had beaten Astros 95-83 the previous day before dropping to El Calor de Cancún 86-82, while the visitors were coming off a 74-81 loss to Soles after a heavy 117-129 defeat to Freseros de Irapuato.

The result leaves Astros with a psychological edge in this rivalry. They had been on a difficult run, losing four of their last five away from home, and this performance suggested something shifted in their approach.

We had backed the hosts at 64 per cent confidence, but the match went the other way. Panteras never got going in the second half, and Astros pulled away when it mattered.