In a high-octane clash of southern Chilean basketball powerhouses, CDSC Puerto Varas SAESA defeated archrival Puerto Montt SAESA 94–85 on July 20, 2026, in a Liga SAESA encounter that lived up to its fierce regional billing. Playing in front of a spirited home crowd at the Gimnasio Fiscal in Puerto Varas, the home side used a blistering second-half surge to erase an early deficit and secure a vital victory in the league standings.

Match Overview

The game opened with both teams exchanging blows, but Puerto Montt came out aggressive, relying on quick transition baskets and a high-pressure defense to build a 10-point lead midway through the first quarter. However, Puerto Varas responded with patience, working the ball inside to their big men and drawing fouls. By halftime, the hosts had trimmed the margin to just 46–44, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

Coming out of the locker room, CDSC Puerto Varas SAESA adjusted their defensive scheme, switching to a 2-3 zone that disrupted Puerto Montt’s rhythm. The home team went on a 15–4 run to open the third quarter, seizing control of the game for the first time. Their guards found success in pick-and-roll actions, creating open looks for shooters and easy finishes at the rim.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter blitz: Puerto Varas outscored Puerto Montt 28–17 in the third period, turning a two-point halftime deficit into a nine-point lead entering the fourth.
• Defensive stand: With 4:30 left in the fourth quarter and Puerto Montt threatening to close within four, Puerto Varas forced three consecutive turnovers, each converted into fast-break points that pushed the lead back to double digits.
• Clutch free-throw shooting: In the final two minutes, Puerto Varas went 8-for-10 from the line to ice the game, showcasing poise under pressure.

Standout Players

For the winners, veteran forward Matías Rojas led all scorers with 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 4 assists. His ability to score both inside and from mid-range proved vital. Point guard Ignacio Sepúlveda orchestrated the offense with 14 points and 9 assists, while center Francisco Muñoz anchored the paint with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds.

On the visiting side, Puerto Montt guard Joaquín Silva poured in 26 points, including 4 three-pointers, but struggled with foul trouble in the second half. Forward Tomás Contreras added 18 points and 7 boards in a losing effort.

Season and Table Impact

The victory improved CDSC Puerto Varas SAESA’s record to 12–7 on the season, keeping them firmly in the top half of the Chile Liga SAESA standings and within striking distance of a playoff berth. For Puerto Montt, now 10–9, the loss was a missed opportunity to leapfrog their rivals and climb into the upper tier. Both teams are expected to be playoff contenders, making head-to-head results like this one especially significant.

With this win, Puerto Varas also extended their home-court dominance, having lost only twice in their own gym all season. The rivalry remains as intense as ever, and the fans in the Los Lagos region can expect another thrilling chapter when these two sides meet again in Puerto Montt later in the campaign.