La Liga Argentina Round 5 (Regular Season): Pico FC take over a leadership position

This is still too early stage of the Regular Season in La Liga Argentina and we should expect many changes in upcoming rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for sixth-ranked Pico FC as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Pico FC defeated 4th placed Provincial in General Pico 74-58. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Provincial. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Pico FC looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Provincial's players. Franco Zalabardo (190-1991) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points. point guard Raul Pelorosso (178-1994) contributed with 6 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Alejandro Ettorre answered with 9 points and 8 rebounds for Provincial. Provincial's coach Gutavo Lalima rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Pico FC have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Atenas and Suardi. Newly promoted Provincial dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Barrio Parque and Pergamino. Provincial will play next round against Dep Viedma trying to get back on the winning streak. Pico FC will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked La Union in Colon.
Undefeated Racing A. (0-1) recorded its first loss in Buenos Aires. Hosts were edged by ninth ranked Lanus (2-1) 85-83. Joaquin Rios (193-1995) stepped up and scored 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and Lorenzo Capponi chipped in 21 points. Power forward Matias Nunez (202-1995) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds. Lanus moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Racing A. still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with Sarmiento. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Echague's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Villa S.Martin (2-3) 72-65 on Tuesday. Pablo Bandeo nailed 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Hans Feder came up with 23 points for Villa S.Martin in the defeat. Echague (1-3) left bottom position moving up to twelfth place, which they share with Independiente and Jachal. Villa S.Martin at the other side keeps the ninth position with three games lost. Echague will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Villa S.Martin will play against Colon SF (#6) in Santa Fe and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: Quilmes MP was beaten by Pergamino on the road 82-74. Jachal was destroyed by Colon SF on its own court 54-97. Winless H.Americano unfortunately lost to GELP in La Plata 61-70. Suardi rolled over Montmartre at home 84-55. Provincial defeated Ameghino on the opponent's court 85-75. Pico FC beat Rocamora in a home game 73-61. Winless U.Mar del Plata lost to Pergamino on the road 74-81. Racing managed to outperform Quilmes MP on its own court 78-67.
The most impressive performance of 5th round was 14 points and 12 rebounds by Bruno Galassi of Villa S.Martin.



Pico FC - Provincial 74-58

The game had a very big importance for sixth-ranked Pico FC as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Pico FC defeated 4th placed Provincial in General Pico 74-58. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Provincial. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Pico FC looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Provincial's players. Franco Zalabardo (190-1991) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points. Point guard Raul Pelorosso (178-1994) contributed with 6 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Alejandro Ettorre answered with 9 points and 8 rebounds and the former international swingman Adrian Boccia (195-1982) added 10 points in the effort for Provincial. Provincial's coach Gutavo Lalima rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Pico FC have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Atenas and Suardi. Newly promoted Provincial dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Barrio Parque and Pergamino. Provincial will play next round against Dep Viedma trying to get back on the winning streak. Pico FC will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked La Union in Colon.
Top scorers:
Pico FC: Z.Franco 20+2reb+2ast, B.Felipe 16+4reb, A.Rossi 12+3reb+1ast, S.Facundo 8+6reb+6ast, R.Pelorosso 6+7reb+7ast, T.Cravero 4+7reb+2ast
Provincial: S.Lopez Hoyo 11+2reb+1ast, F.Perez 10+1reb, A.Boccia 10+3reb+3ast, E.Alejandro 9+8reb+2ast, E.Juan Pablo 7+6reb, P.Fernandez 4+7reb+2ast

Pergamino - Quilmes MP 82-74

There was a surprise result when ninth ranked Pergamino (3-2) beat at home higher ranked Quilmes MP (2-2) 82-74 on Sunday. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Center Rafael Banegas (204-1992) nailed 16 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winning side and forward Juan Martin Bello (200-1999) accounted for 16 points. The former international point guard Luis Cequeira (179-1985) came up with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and swingman Lisandro Fernandez (194-1998, agency: BIG) added 19 points respectively for Quilmes MP in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pergamino have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Barrio Parque and Provincial. Quilmes MP at the other side dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Pergamino will meet H.Americano (#16) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Quilmes MP will play against Ciclista (#14) in Junin and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Pergamino: B.Juan Martin 16+3reb+2ast, R.Banegas 16+6reb+1ast, B.Levato 13+2reb+1ast, M.Santiago 10+1reb, C.Ignacion 8+7reb+2ast, G.Luciano 8+5reb
Quilmes MP: L.Fernandez 19+2reb, L.Cequeira 17+5reb+4ast, R.Acuna 12+6reb, E.Agustin 7+6reb+1ast, G.Eseverri 5+1reb+1ast, V.Santino 4+2reb

Jachal - Colon SF 54-97

Rather expected game when 11th ranked Jachal (1-3) was smashed at home by ninth ranked Colon SF (2-1) 97-54 on Sunday. Colon SF forced 21 Jachal turnovers and outrebounded them 47-36 including a 41-30 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Ecuadorian center Jordan Cardenas (206-1998, college: FNU) nailed a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winning side and point guard Francisco Fravega (182-1998) accounted for 14 points and 7 rebounds. Point guard Bruno Caribaux (181-2003) came up with 10 points and 8 assists and Facundo Bustos added 6 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Jachal in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Colon SF moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Jachal at the other side dropped to the twelfth position with three games lost. They share it with Echague and Independiente. Colon SF will meet at home Villa S.Martin (#9) in the next round. Jachal will play against Atenas in Cordoba and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Colon SF: B.Tomas 20+1reb+3ast, J.Cardenas 15+13reb+1ast, F.Francisco 14+7reb+3ast, A.Leon 10+3reb+2ast, F.Joaquin 8+6reb+6ast, E.Fabricio 6+4reb+2ast
Jachal: C.Bruno 10+1reb+8ast, S.Espindola 8+4reb, A.Caraffa 7+8reb+1ast, P.Pecanha 6+4reb, B.Facundo 6+9reb+3ast, P.Jeronimo 6+1reb

GELP - H.Americano 70-61

Very predictable result when eighth ranked GELP (2-1) won against bottom-ranked H.Americano (0-3) in La Plata 70-61 on Sunday. Forward Augusto Bruera (196-1998, agency: BIG) nailed a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and forward Marco Bosch (197-1993) accounted for 11 points and 11 rebounds. Four GELP players scored in double figures. American swingman Sean Lloyd (196-1996, college: SIU) came up with 25 points and the former international power forward Gonzalo Torres (201-1994) added 2 points and 11 rebounds respectively for H.Americano in the defeat. GELP moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. H.Americano at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. They share the position with U.Mar del Plata. GELP will meet at home higher ranked Pergamino (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. H.Americano will play against Pergamino (#3) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
GELP: R.Marco 13+5reb+2ast, A.Francisco 12+1reb+1ast, B.Augusto 12+12reb+2ast, A.Moreno 12+2reb+4ast, M.Bosch 11+11reb+3ast, J.Lancieri 7+9reb+6ast
H.Americano: S.Lloyd 25+4reb, C.Jeremias 10+3reb, Z.Estefano 5+1ast, J.Bell 5+4reb+1ast, M.Aristu 5+4reb+1ast, G.Romero 4+5reb+1ast

Suardi - Montmartre 84-55

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Montmartre (1-2) was outscored on the road by fifth ranked Suardi (3-1) 84-55 on Sunday. Suardi outrebounded Montmartre 43-32 including 31 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Pablo Martinez (197-1982) nailed 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and guard Luciano Lizarraga (183-1991) accounted for 14 points and 7 rebounds. Four Suardi players scored in double figures. Power forward Alejandro Piccart (198-2002) came up with 14 points and 9 rebounds and center Nicolas Franco (204-1999) added 10 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Montmartre in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Suardi have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Atenas and Pico FC. Montmartre at the other side keeps the tenth place with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Suardi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Montmartre will play against the league's second-placed Rivadavia (#2) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Suardi: P.Martinez 14+8reb+4ast, L.Lizarraga 14+7reb, C.Santiago 11+6reb+4ast, V.Tomas 11+3reb+1ast, F.Gaston 10+1ast, C.Joaquin 9+6reb+3ast
Montmartre: P.Alejandro 14+9reb, N.Franco 10+7reb+3ast, B.Juan 6+2ast, S.Franco 6+1ast, J.Tulian 5+1reb+1ast, R.Juan 4+2reb+1ast

Racing A. - Lanus 83-85

Undefeated Racing A. (0-1) recorded its first loss in Buenos Aires. Hosts were edged by ninth ranked Lanus (2-1) 85-83. Racing A. was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Joaquin Rios (193-1995) stepped up and scored 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and swingman Lorenzo Capponi (191-1994) chipped in 21 points. Power forward Matias Nunez (202-1995) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds and point guard Pedro Perez (180-1989) scored 14 points and 5 assists. Lanus moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Racing A. still closes the standings with one game lost. They share the position with Sarmiento. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Lanus: R.Joaquin 22+6reb+4ast, L.Capponi 21+4reb, S.Juan Cruz 11+3reb, G.Mariano 9+2reb+2ast, A.Lugli 9+6reb+4ast, E.Somadina 6+11reb+5ast
Racing A.: M.Nunez 24+13reb+2ast, P.Perez 14+2reb+5ast, L.Silva 14+2reb+1ast, R.Rosende 9+1reb, S.Luis 6+2reb+1ast, P.Mauro 6+1reb

Ameghino - Provincial 75-85

Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked Provincial (3-2) defeated 7th ranked Ameghino (1-2) in Villa Maria 85-75 on Monday. Forward Pablo Fernandez (196-1982) nailed 21 points for the winning side and forward Federico Perez (198-1992, agency: BIG) accounted for 13 points and 9 rebounds. Power forward Juan Luis Abeiro (200-1988) came up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and the former international swingman Julian Eydallin (195-2000) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Ameghino in the defeat. Four Ameghino players scored in double figures. Ameghino's coach Pablo Castro tested ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Provincial have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Barrio Parque and Pergamino. Ameghino at the other side dropped to the tenth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Provincial will meet at home Dep Viedma (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ameghino will play against La Union and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Provincial: P.Fernandez 21+4reb+2ast, G.Gaston 14+3reb+3ast, F.Perez 13+9reb+3ast, T.Gregorio 9+5reb+3ast, H.Lucas 9+1reb, E.Alejandro 7+8reb+2ast
Ameghino: J.Luis Abeiro 19+12reb+1ast, J.Eydallin 14+5reb+3ast, P.Osores 12+4reb+3ast, A.Aristimuno 11+7reb+4ast, F.Thygesen 7+1reb, F.Vieta 6+3reb+3ast

Pico FC - Rocamora 73-61

Everything could happen in General Pico at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Pico FC and 7th ranked Rocamora had identical 2-1 record. This time Pico FC used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Rocamora 73-61 on Tuesday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Felipe Bonfigli nailed 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and Facundo Saez accounted for 16 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Federico Repetti came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds and guard Matias Caire (188-1999) added 12 points respectively for Rocamora in the defeat. Rocamora's coach Agustin Pujol tested twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Pico FC have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Atenas and Suardi. Rocamora at the other side keeps the seventh place with two games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Pico FC will meet at home La Union (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Rocamora will play against Ameghino in Villa Maria and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Pico FC: B.Felipe 17+9reb+1ast, S.Facundo 16+9reb+2ast, E.Facundo 10+2reb, T.Cravero 9+3reb+1ast, Z.Franco 7+2reb+1ast, R.Pelorosso 6+1reb+5ast
Rocamora: R.Federico 13+6reb, M.Caire 12+2reb+1ast, C.Agustin 10+3reb+2ast, F.Andres 8+5reb, J.Catalin 7+5reb+1ast, P.Juan 7+3reb+3ast

Pergamino - U.Mar del Plata 81-74

No shocking result in a game when ninth ranked Pergamino (3-2) beat at home bottom-ranked U.Mar del Plata (0-3) 81-74 on Tuesday. Forward Juan Martin Bello (200-1999) nailed 23 points and 5 assists for the winning side and center Rafael Banegas (204-1992) accounted for 18 points and 8 rebounds. Pergamino's coach Julian Pagura used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Juan Bellozas (195-1993) came up with 15 points and 6 rebounds and point guard Tomas Quinteros (184-2001) added 16 points respectively for U.Mar del Plata in the defeat. Four U.Mar del Plata players scored in double figures. Pergamino have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Barrio Parque and Provincial. Newly promoted U.Mar del Plata still closes the standings with three games lost. They share the position with H.Americano. Pergamino will meet H.Americano (#16) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. U.Mar del Plata will play against Ciclista in Junin and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Pergamino: B.Juan Martin 23+2reb+5ast, R.Banegas 18+8reb, B.Levato 16+1reb, G.Federico 8+6reb, C.Ignacion 6+6reb, G.Luciano 6+3reb
U.Mar del Plata: Q.Tomas 16+3reb, J.Bellozas 15+6reb+1ast, M.Herrero 11+5reb+1ast, G.Tomas 10+6reb, B.Felipe 6+3reb, C.Matias 6+2reb+1ast

Racing - Quilmes MP 78-67

There was a minor upset when higher ranked Quilmes MP (2-2) lost to fourteenth ranked Racing (2-2) in Chivilcoy 67-78 on Tuesday. Racing had a 15-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Luciano Ortiz (199-1999) nailed 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and point guard Alejo Barrales (174-1991) accounted for 17 points and 4 assists. Four Racing players scored in double figures. The former international point guard Luis Cequeira (179-1985) came up with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists and swingman Lisandro Fernandez (194-1998, agency: BIG) added 16 points respectively for Quilmes MP in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Racing moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Quilmes MP. Racing will meet at home higher ranked Pilar (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Quilmes MP will play against Ciclista in Junin and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Racing: L.Ortiz 20+6reb+1ast, A.Barrales 17+3reb+4ast, J.Peralta 10+8reb+2ast, A.Tomas 10+1reb+3ast, A.Nehuen 10+3reb, L.Castellani 5+7reb+3ast
Quilmes MP: L.Fernandez 16+3reb+2ast, L.Cequeira 16+5reb+9ast, E.Agustin 12+7reb, R.Acuna 8+5reb+1ast, E.Gimenez 5, G.Eseverri 3

Echague - Villa S.Martin 72-65

Echague's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Villa S.Martin (2-3) 72-65 on Tuesday. Echague made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Pablo Bandeo (195-1997, agency: BIG) nailed 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and point guard German Gonzalez (186-1992) accounted for 20 points. Hans Feder came up with 23 points and Bruno Galassi added 14 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for Villa S.Martin in the defeat. Four Villa S.Martin players scored in double figures. Echague (1-3) left bottom position moving up to twelfth place, which they share with Independiente and Jachal. Villa S.Martin at the other side keeps the ninth position with three games lost. Echague will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Villa S.Martin will play against Colon SF (#6) in Santa Fe and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Echague: G.Gonzalez 20+2reb, P.Bandeo 17+5reb+1ast, L.Pividori 11+2reb+2ast, I.Albornoz 7+8reb+1ast, I.Echevarria 7+9reb+3ast, M.Francisco 6+2reb+1ast
Villa S.Martin: F.Hans 23+4reb+2ast, G.Bruno 14+12reb+1ast, L.Caceres 12+3reb+3ast, S.Arancibia 10+6reb+1ast, E.Simondi 4+2reb+1ast, M.Martin 2+3reb+2ast