La Liga Argentina Round 18: Ameghino keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Ameghino as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Ameghino smashed 9th ranked Montmartre in Villa Maria 84-65. The best player for the winners was Matias Martinez who scored 28 points (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). American-Panamanian forward Tymell Murphy (196-1990, college: FIU) chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds. Ameghino's coach Pablo Castro used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Richard Granberry (203-1993, college: Virginia St.) who recorded 20 points. Ameghino (13-2) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Montmartre lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the ninth place with six games lost. They share the position with Estudiantes C.. Montmartre will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Ameghino will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Colon SF in Santa Fe.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Zarate Basket (9-6) against fifth ranked Lanus (8-5) on Sunday night. Host Zarate Basket was defeated by Lanus in Zarate 95-79. It was a good game for American forward Phil Bledsoe (198, college: GSC) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds. Jorge Banegas contributed with 18 points and 4 assists for the winners. Agustin Brocal (191-1997) replied with 32 points and 5 rebounds (went 16 for 16 at the free throw line !!!) for Zarate Basket. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Lanus have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Colon SF. Zarate Basket at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. Lanus will play against Pico FC (#12) in General Pico in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zarate Basket will play at home against Estudiantes C. (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Fourteenth-ranked Echague (4-10) made lots of trouble for fourth ranked GEPU (9-2) in Parana on Sunday. The visitors from San Luis managed to secure only three-point victory 85-82. However their fans expected much easier game. Tirrell Brown scored 22 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Lisandro Ruiz Moreno with 21 points and 8 rebounds. GEPU have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Racing. Loser Echague dropped to the fifteenth position with ten games lost. GEPU will meet at home Jachal (#16) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Echague will have a break next round.

Rest of the games of round 18 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Jachal was defeated by Salta Basket in a road game 93-84. Barrio Parque beat Dep Norte at home 92-86. Jachal won against Tucuman on the opponent's court 99-81. Colon SF managed to outperform Rivadavia in a home game 95-81. Estudiantes C. managed to beat Pilar on the road 78-71. H.Americano defeated Pico FC on its own court 80-69. Del Progreso smashed Parque Sur in General Roca 98-70. Rocamora destroyed Del Progreso at home 96-62.
The best stats of 18th round was 7 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals by Justo Catalin of Rocamora.

Group North

Salta Basket - Jachal 93-84

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 15th ranked Jachal (3-9) was defeated on the road by sixteenth ranked Salta Basket (4-9) 93-84 on Monday. Guard Jara Agustin (-1998) scored 32 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Brazilian center Adriano Alves (210-1995) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Five Salta Basket players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Ismael Sarruff (, agency: BIG) with 31 points and guard Jorge Mas Delfino (194-1997) scored 18 points and 8 rebounds. Salta Basket moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Tucuman. Loser Jachal dropped to the sixteenth position with nine games lost. Salta Basket will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Jachal will play against GEPU (#4) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Salta Basket: J.Agustin 32+7reb+4ast, A.Alves 15+9reb, P.Diego 15+7reb+1ast, A.Binda Facundo 12+6reb+1ast, I.Stark 11+1reb+2ast, C.Linares 4+2reb
Jachal: S.Ismael 31+2reb+1ast, N.Gimenez 19+3reb, J.Mas Delfino 18+8reb+1ast, P.Aaron 7+3reb, R.Trebucq 4+6reb, L.Tambucci 3+3reb+1ast

Echague - GEPU 82-85

Fourteenth-ranked Echague (4-10) made lots of trouble for fourth ranked GEPU (9-2) in Parana on Sunday. The visitors from San Luis managed to secure only three-point victory 85-82. However their fans expected much easier game. GEPU dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Echague's 34. American Tirrell Brown (198-1993, college: OBU) scored 22 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Jeffrey Merchant (197-1997) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was guard Lisandro Ruiz Moreno (185-1989) with 21 points and 8 rebounds and guard Federico Gonzalez (183-1988) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. GEPU have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Racing. Loser Echague dropped to the fifteenth position with ten games lost. GEPU will meet at home Jachal (#16) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Echague will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
GEPU: T.Brown 22+6reb+2ast, H.Ponce 20+2reb+1ast, J.Merchant 16+6reb+2ast, P.Osores 12+3reb+2ast, G.Acosta 8+2reb, A.Lugli 5+7reb+1ast
Echague: L.Ruiz Moreno 21+8reb+3ast, P.Bandeo 17+4reb+1ast, F.Gonzalez 17+5reb+2ast, I.Zulberti 12+8reb+3ast, B.Augusto 6+7reb, F.Joaquin 5+3reb

Barrio Parque - Dep Norte 92-86

No shocking result in a game in Cordoba where third ranked Barrio Parque (12-1) defeated 6th ranked Dep Norte (6-7) 92-86 on Monday. Barrio Parque made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. Barrio Parque outrebounded Dep Norte 42-30 including 33 on the defensive glass. Swingman Lautaro Rivata (190-1987) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Tomas Ligorria (195-1994) chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Franco Borsellino with 20 points and guard Franco Montemagio (185-2002) scored 12 points and 4 assists. Five Barrio Parque and four Dep Norte players scored in double figures. Barrio Parque have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with San Isidro. Loser Dep Norte dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Del Progreso. Barrio Parque will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Dep Norte will play against Independiente (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Barrio Parque: J.Tulian 15+4reb, L.Rivata 14+11reb+1ast, T.Ligorria 12+5reb+6ast, L.Tomas 12+2reb+6ast, B.Juan 12+1reb+1ast, L.Ramiro 10+7reb
Dep Norte: B.Franco 20+2reb+1ast, A.Montani 16+4reb, C.Jeremias 13+4reb+1ast, M.Franco 12+4reb+4ast, C.Cupulutti 9+3reb+7ast, L.Fogel 5+5reb

Tucuman - Jachal 81-99

There was a minor upset in San Miguel de Tucuman where 13th ranked Tucuman (4-9) was defeated by fifteenth ranked Jachal (3-9) 99-81 on Saturday. Jachal dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Tucuman's 44. Luciano Tambucci (194-1998) scored 29 points (perfect from downtown making all five shots) to lead the charge for the winners and guard Jorge Mas Delfino (194-1997) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Four Jachal players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Patricio Aranda (197-1989) with 19 points and 6 rebounds and Ignacio Echevarria (195-1998) scored 15 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Despite that victory Jachal went down to sixteenth position due to points difference. Tucuman lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Salta Basket. Jachal will meet higher ranked GEPU (#4) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Tucuman will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Jachal: L.Tambucci 29+4reb, N.Gimenez 20+3reb+1ast, J.Mas Delfino 14+8reb+2ast, S.Ismael 10+3reb+6ast, R.Trebucq 7+1reb+2ast, P.Aaron 6+3reb
Tucuman: P.Aranda 19+6reb, I.Echevarria 15+4reb+4ast, E.Skidelsky 12+2reb+1ast, C.Echevarria 7+4reb+4ast, J.Muruaga 7+6reb+4ast, T.Rayner 6+8reb+1ast

Ameghino - Montmartre 84-65

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Ameghino as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Ameghino smashed 9th ranked Montmartre in Villa Maria 84-65. The best player for the winners was Matias Martinez who scored 28 points (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). American-Panamanian forward Tymell Murphy (196-1990, college: FIU) chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds. Ameghino's coach Pablo Castro used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Richard Granberry (203-1993, college: Virginia St.) who recorded 20 points and his fellow American import swingman Kevin Ellis (193-1998) added 13 points respectively. Ameghino (13-2) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Montmartre lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the ninth place with six games lost. They share the position with Estudiantes C.. Montmartre will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Ameghino will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Colon SF in Santa Fe.
Top scorers:
Ameghino: M.Martinez 28+3reb+1ast, T.Murphy 10+5reb+1ast, A.Aristimuno 9+2reb+1ast, C.Zenclussen 8+2reb+3ast, J.Luis Abeiro 8+2reb+1ast, L.Emiliano 7+2reb+3ast
Montmartre: R.Granberry 20+3reb, K.Ellis 13+4reb+2ast, M.Codigoni 10, J.Roumec 6+2reb, M.Gomez 5+6reb+3ast, N.Franco 4+5reb

Colon SF - Rivadavia 95-81

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fifth ranked Colon SF's (8-5) home victory over 6th ranked Rivadavia (6-6) 95-81 on Saturday. Colon SF looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American forward Dwayne Russell (203, college: St.Thomas, FL) had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Joaquin Baeza (182-1986, agency: BIG) chipped in 11 points, 5 rebounds and 12 assists during the contest. Five Colon SF players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was point guard Franco Sampaulise (180-2000) with 14 points and 6 assists and center Abel Trejo (204-1990) scored 9 points and 11 rebounds. Colon SF moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Lanus. Loser Rivadavia keeps the sixth position with six games lost. They share it with Quilmes MP and Dep Viedma. Colon SF will meet at home GEPU (#4) in the next round. Rivadavia will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Colon SF: D.Russell 24+12reb+1ast, B.Tomas 16+1reb+6ast, N.Bravo 13+3reb+1ast, L.Quinteros 11+4reb+2ast, G.Sinconi 11+7reb+3ast, J.Baeza 11+5reb+12ast
Rivadavia: S.Franco 14+3reb+6ast, S.Arancibia 14+5reb+2ast, J.Underwood 10+2reb, G.Francese 10+4reb+1ast, A.Trejo 9+11reb+2ast, T.Cravero 9+3reb

Group South

Pilar - Estudiantes C. 71-78

There was a minor upset when 11th ranked Pilar (5-8) was defeated at home by fourteenth ranked Estudiantes C. (5-6) 78-71 on Monday. Center Rafael Banegas (204-1992) scored 17 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Matias Alluchon (185-2000) chipped in 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four Estudiantes C. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was point guard Pablo Bruna (185-1987) with 22 points (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and Greek-American forward Tommy Demogerontas (203-1997, college: IUP) scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Pilar's coach Roberto Pavlotsky rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Estudiantes C. moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Montmartre. Pilar lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the twelfth position with eight games lost. They share it with Pergamino and Pico FC. Estudiantes C. will meet higher ranked Quilmes MP (#7) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Pilar will play against Del Progreso (#9) in General Roca and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Estudiantes C.: A.Matias 19+6reb+4ast, R.Banegas 17+9reb+3ast, Y.Alvaro 11+2reb+1ast, S.Yaskulka 10+9reb+2ast, T.Pereyra 9+1reb, M.Gauna 7+4reb+1ast
Pilar: P.Bruna 22+4reb+1ast, T.Demogerontas 17+5reb+4ast, S.Franco 11+4reb+2ast, M.Joaquin 9+5reb, D.Adekunle 4+6reb+1ast, G.Peralta 4+4reb+2ast

H.Americano - Pico FC 80-69

Everything went according to plan in Rio Gallegos where sixth ranked H.Americano (7-6) won against 10th ranked Pico FC (5-8) 80-69 on Sunday. Forward Gonzalo Romero (196-1997) scored 15 points to lead the charge for the winners and the former international swingman Juan Fernandez (196-1991) chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. H.Americano's coach Sebastian Torre used a ten-player rotation saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was guard Agustin Bualo (182-1995) with 17 points (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) and guard Augusto Rossi (190-1988) scored 14 points. H.Americano maintains sixth position with 7-6 record. Newly promoted Pico FC dropped to the twelfth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Pergamino and Pilar. H.Americano will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Pico FC will play against Lanus (#4) in Buenos Aires and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
H.Americano: G.Romero 15+4reb+2ast, J.Fernandez 11+5reb+3ast, D.Miguel Federico 10+1reb+2ast, L.Zalio 10+4reb, P.Ezequiel 9+4reb+1ast, L.Reyes 8+2reb+4ast
Pico FC: A.Bualo 17+1reb+2ast, A.Rossi 14+2reb+3ast, Z.Franco 11+2reb, R.Marcelo 8+7reb, B.Felipe 8+8reb+1ast, Y.Fundora 7+3reb+1ast

Zarate Basket - Lanus 79-95

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Zarate Basket (9-6) against fifth ranked Lanus (8-5) on Sunday night. Host Zarate Basket was defeated by Lanus in Zarate 95-79. They made 20-of-24 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Lanus outrebounded Zarate Basket 38-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. Zarate Basket was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American forward Phil Bledsoe (198, college: GSC) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds. Jorge Banegas (190-1993, agency: BIG) contributed with 18 points and 4 assists for the winners. Five Lanus players scored in double figures. Agustin Brocal (191-1997) replied with 32 points and 5 rebounds (went 16 for 16 at the free throw line !!!) and point guard Lucas Andujar (185-1996) added 14 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Zarate Basket. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Lanus have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Colon SF. Zarate Basket at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. Lanus will play against Pico FC (#12) in General Pico in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zarate Basket will play at home against Estudiantes C. (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Lanus: P.Bledsoe 28+10reb, J.Banegas 18+3reb+4ast, L.Gorosterrazu 13+2reb+1ast, M.Franchino 11+11reb, F.Mariano 10+3reb+4ast, A.Britos 6+3reb+3ast
Zarate Basket: A.Brocal 32+5reb+1ast, S.Chaine 17+3reb+2ast, L.Andujar 14+5reb+3ast, I.Cuassolo 9+7reb, P.Facundo 3+2reb+3ast, L.Capponi 2+3reb

Parque Sur - Del Progreso 70-98

There was no surprise in Concepcion de Urug. where 17th ranked Parque Sur (3-7) was crushed by seventh ranked Del Progreso (6-7) 98-70 on Sunday. Del Progreso outrebounded Parque Sur 41-28 including a 38-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Swingman Gustavo Maranguello (190-1983) scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and forward Facundo Sanz (197-1996, agency: BIG) chipped in 14 points and 8 assists during the contest. Five Del Progreso players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Juan Boffelli (197-1998) with 22 points and 5 rebounds and Franco Fragozo (198-2001) scored 9 points and 11 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Del Progreso maintains seventh position with 6-7 record, which they share with Dep Norte. Parque Sur lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventeenth place with seven games lost. Del Progreso will meet at home Pilar (#14) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Parque Sur will play against the league's leader Ciclista where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Del Progreso: G.Maranguello 16+7reb+4ast, L.Hernan 15+5reb, F.Sanz 14+4reb+8ast, S.Leonardo 13+2reb+2ast, R.Marco 12, P.Fabricio 11+8reb+3ast
Parque Sur: B.Juan 22+5reb+2ast, L.Gallardo 14+2reb+3ast, V.Lofrano 9+3reb+7ast, F.Franco 9+11reb, M.Juan 5+1ast, L.Laureano 5+1reb+4ast

Rocamora - Del Progreso 96-62

There was a surprise result when thirteenth ranked Rocamora (6-8) smashed at home higher ranked Del Progreso (6-7) 96-62 on Monday. Rocamora made 17-of-19 free shots (89.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Del Progreso's players. Forward Tomas Verbauwede (198-1999) had a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Franco Ferraria-Amici (191-2002) chipped in 18 points during the contest. Four Rocamora players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Facundo Sanz (197-1996, agency: BIG) with 12 points and 7 rebounds and Fabricio Peralta scored 15 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rocamora have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with CAO Ceres. Loser Del Progreso keeps the seventh position with seven games lost. They share it with Dep Norte. Rocamora will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Del Progreso will play against Pilar (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Rocamora: F.Franco 18+2reb+2ast, D.Thiago 18+1reb+1ast, A.Quigley 14+2reb+1ast, C.Agustin 10+5reb+3ast, V.Tomas 10+12reb+2ast, G.Impini 8+3reb+3ast
Del Progreso: P.Fabricio 15+2reb+1ast, R.Marco 13+1reb+2ast, F.Sanz 12+7reb+1ast, G.Maranguello 6+5reb+2ast, M.Navarro 4+4reb+1ast, L.Hernan 4+3reb



Tags : MATIAS MARTINEZ, ATLETICO JUVENTUD FLORENTINO AMEGHINO, ARGENTINIAN BASKETBALL