La Liga Argentina Round 8 (Regular Season): Pilar defeat Pico FC

There were just 8 rounds played in Regular Season of La Liga Argentina and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Pico FC (5-3) on the court of fifth ranked Pilar on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by Pilar 74-67. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Pico FC. They outrebounded Pico FC 41-30 including 27 on the defensive glass. American center Dishon Lowery (200-1998, college: OKBU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 9 rebounds. Eduardo Gamboa (189-1984) contributed with 24 points and 4 assists for the winners. Felipe Bonfigli replied with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Pico FC. Pilar (4-1) moved-up to third place, which they share with Rivadavia. Pico FC at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Barrio Parque and Racing. Pilar is looking forward to face Dep Viedma (#8) in Rio Negro in the next round where they are favorite. Pico FC will play at home against Quilmes MP (#14) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Provincial (4-4) against eighth ranked GELP (4-2) on Sunday night. Visiting Provincial was defeated by GELP in a tough game in La Plata 77-84. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Alan Moreno (185-1997, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds and Augusto Bruera who added 12 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. The former international swingman Adrian Boccia (195-1982) responded with 25 points. Provincial's coach Gutavo Lalima rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. GELP moved-up to fourth place. Newly promoted Provincial dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. GELP will play against Ciclista (#7) in Junin in the next round. Provincial will play on the road against H.Americano in Rio Gallegos and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Salta Basket is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their fourth consecutive match to fifth ranked Barrio Parque (5-3) 84-70 on Thursday evening. The winners were led by Ramiro Ledesma who had that evening a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 17 points by Lucas Gallardo did not help to save the game for Salta Basket. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Barrio Parque keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Racing and Pico FC. Loser Salta Basket still closes the standings with four games lost. Barrio Parque will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Salta Basket will play against Independiente (#8) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 8: GEPU beat Montmartre on the road 75-68. La Union lost to Villa Mitre on its own court 81-89. Ameghino unfortunately lost to Racing A. in Buenos Aires 72-76. Amancay rolled over Jachal at home 89-66. Ameghino was defeated by Pilar on the opponent's court 76-59. Jachal was beaten by Independiente in a home game 77-88. Ameghino lost to Lanus on the road 72-86. San Isidro unfortunately lost to Suardi on its own court 56-71.
The most impressive performance of 8th round was 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks by Christopher Hooper of San Isidro.



Montmartre - GEPU 68-75

No shocking result in a game when top-ranked GEPU (5-0) beat 13th ranked Montmartre (1-4) in Catamarca 75-68 on Thursday. The winners were led by American forward Jibril Harris (203, college: Peru St.) who scored that evening 18 points and 9 rebounds and Jorge Mas supported him with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) by center Nicolas Franco (204-1999) did not help to save the game for Montmartre. Forward Juan Boffelli (197-1998) added 11 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Montmartre's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. GEPU have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 5-0 record behind leader Pico FC. Montmartre lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with four games lost. They share the position with H.Americano. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Montmartre: N.Franco 23+11reb+1ast, B.Juan 11+5reb+3ast, P.Alejandro 10+3reb+2ast, S.Franco 7+4reb+5ast, R.Juan 5+1reb+2ast, J.Tulian 4+4reb
GEPU: J.Harris 18+9reb+1ast, G.Acosta 15+2reb+1ast, M.Jorge 12+6reb+1ast, J.Godoy 9+2reb+2ast, V.Costa 8+2reb+2ast, E.Marillan 7+2reb+2ast

Barrio Parque - Salta Basket 84-70

Bottom-ranked Salta Basket is still unable to win any game. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their fourth consecutive match to fifth ranked Barrio Parque (5-3) 84-70 on Thursday evening. The winners were led by swingman Ramiro Ledesma (192-2000) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and Tomas Ligorria (195-1994) supported him with 14 points. Even 17 points by forward Lucas Gallardo (199-2001) did not help to save the game for Salta Basket. Diego Peralta (195-1994) added 13 points and 6 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Barrio Parque keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Racing and Pico FC. Loser Salta Basket still closes the standings with four games lost. Barrio Parque will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Salta Basket will play against Independiente (#8) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Salta Basket: L.Gallardo 17+3reb+1ast, P.Diego 13+6reb, G.Ronny 10+7reb, G.Santiago 7+1reb, D.Jeronimo 6+3reb+2ast, G.Mauro 6+3reb+2ast
Barrio Parque: L.Ramiro 19+12reb+4ast, T.Ligorria 14+4reb, G.Benjamin 9+1reb+2ast, B.Nahuel 8+5reb+5ast, B.Valentin 8+4reb, B.Herrera 7+2reb+2ast

Pilar - Pico FC 74-67

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Pico FC (5-3) on the court of fifth ranked Pilar on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by Pilar 74-67. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Pico FC. They outrebounded Pico FC 41-30 including 27 on the defensive glass. American center Dishon Lowery (200-1998, college: OKBU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 9 rebounds. Eduardo Gamboa (189-1984) contributed with 24 points and 4 assists for the winners. Felipe Bonfigli replied with 16 points and 8 rebounds and Facundo Saez added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Pico FC. Pilar (4-1) moved-up to third place, which they share with Rivadavia. Pico FC at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Barrio Parque and Racing. Pilar is looking forward to face Dep Viedma (#8) in Rio Negro in the next round where they are favorite. Pico FC will play at home against Quilmes MP (#14) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Pico FC: B.Felipe 16+8reb+2ast, S.Facundo 12+8reb+1ast, Z.Franco 9+1reb+1ast, A.Rossi 8+1reb+2ast, T.Cravero 7+5reb+1ast, E.Facundo 6+2ast
Pilar: D.Lowery 25+9reb, E.Gamboa 24+3reb+4ast, I.Varisco 7+11reb+2ast, J.Cruz 7+1reb, S.Ibarra 6+4reb+3ast, F.Franco 2+3reb

La Union - Villa Mitre 81-89

There was an upset when higher ranked La Union (3-4) lost to fifteenth ranked Villa Mitre (2-3) in Colon 81-89 on Friday. The winners were led by power forward Franco Pennacchiotti (205-1990) who scored that evening 19 points and 8 rebounds and Federico Harina (186-1991) supported him with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Villa Mitre players scored in double figures. Even 14 points and 6 rebounds by swingman Leandro Tabbia (195-1993) did not help to save the game for La Union. Point guard Facundo Gago (178-1996) added 16 points for the hosts. La Union's coach Martin Guastavino tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Villa Mitre moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Quilmes MP and Dep Norte. Loser La Union dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. They share it with Independiente and Rocamora. Villa Mitre will meet at home higher ranked Lanus (#9) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. La Union will play against H.Americano in Rio Gallegos and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
La Union: F.Gago 16+4reb+1ast, C.Franco 15+3reb, L.Tabbia 14+6reb+3ast, F.Lautaro 10+1reb+1ast, L.Lucio 6+5reb+2ast, G.Cabrera 4+5reb+4ast
Villa Mitre: F.Pennacchiotti 19+8reb+2ast, F.Harina 18+5reb+4ast, J.Bollo 16+7reb, C.Alvaro 11+6reb+1ast, M.Jano 9+1reb+8ast, A.Fernando 6+2reb+2ast

Racing A. - Ameghino 76-72

There was a surprise result when fourteenth ranked Racing A. (2-1) won against higher ranked Ameghino (3-5) in Buenos Aires 76-72 on Friday. Racing A. made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. The winners were led by forward Rafael Rosende (198-1997) who scored that evening 22 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Matias Nunez (202-1995) supported him with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Even 11 points and 5 rebounds by forward Abel Aristimuno (195-1991, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Ameghino. Point guard Fermin Thygesen (186-1998) added 14 points for the guests. Four Ameghino players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Racing A. moved-up to thirteenth place. Ameghino lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with five games lost. Racing A.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Buenos Aires .
Top scorers:
Ameghino: F.Thygesen 14+2reb+2ast, P.Osores 12, A.Aristimuno 11+5reb+3ast, J.Eydallin 10+4reb, A.Juan 8+3reb+2ast, R.Carlos 6+5reb
Racing A.: R.Rosende 22+9reb+2ast, M.Nunez 19+10reb+1ast, N.Remolina 12+3reb+4ast, R.Fernandez 7+2reb+1ast, S.Luis 6+1reb+2ast, P.Perez 5+1reb+3ast

Amancay - Jachal 89-66

Not a big story in a game when 14th ranked Jachal (1-7) was outscored by sixth ranked Amancay (4-3) in La Rioja 89-66 on Saturday. Amancay looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Jachal's players. The winners were led by guard Emiliano Correa (188-1991) who scored that evening 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and Wilfredo Alvarez supported him with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Amancay's coach Mariano Gervasio felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds by Brazilian center Pedro Pecanha (206-1998) did not help to save the game for Jachal. Point guard Bruno Caribaux (181-2003) added 15 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Amancay have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Pergamino. Jachal lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with seven games lost. Amancay will meet at home Independiente (#8) in the next round. Jachal will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Jachal: C.Bruno 15+7reb+3ast, P.Pecanha 15+13reb+1ast, A.Caraffa 11+8reb+1ast, B.Facundo 11+9reb+3ast, C.Emanuel 7+2reb, S.Espindola 5+2reb
Amancay: E.Correa 16+5reb+6ast, C.Juan 15+5reb+4ast, A.Wilfredo 15+9reb+3ast, R.Nicolas 12+3reb+1ast, P.Fabricio 11+5reb+1ast, O.Bautista 11+7reb+1ast

Pilar - Ameghino 76-59

Everything went according to plan when fifth ranked Pilar (4-1) defeated at home 10th ranked Ameghino (3-5) 76-59 on Sunday. The winners were led by American center Dishon Lowery (200-1998, college: OKBU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds and Puerto Rican guard Jesus Cruz (196-1998, college: Fairfield) supported him with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Four Pilar players scored in double figures. Pilar's coach Roberto Pavlotsky used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 9 points and 9 rebounds by forward Abel Aristimuno (195-1991, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Ameghino. Point guard Fermin Thygesen (186-1998) added 15 points for the guests. Pilar moved-up to third place, which they share with Rivadavia. Ameghino lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with five games lost. Pilar will meet Dep Viedma (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Ameghino will play against Quilmes MP (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ameghino: F.Thygesen 15+2reb+1ast, P.Osores 10+4reb+1ast, A.Aristimuno 9+9reb+2ast, O.Ignacio 6+1reb, J.Eydallin 5+2reb+1ast, R.Carlos 4+9reb+1ast
Pilar: J.Cruz 20+7reb, D.Lowery 17+13reb, J.Treise 15+4reb+4ast, I.Varisco 11+6reb+2ast, S.Ibarra 7+4reb+3ast, E.Gamboa 5+1ast

GELP - Provincial 84-77

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Provincial (4-4) against eighth ranked GELP (4-2) on Sunday night. Visiting Provincial was defeated by GELP in a tough game in La Plata 77-84. GELP shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 55.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Alan Moreno (185-1997, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds and forward Augusto Bruera (196-1998, agency: BIG) who added 12 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Five GELP players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Adrian Boccia (195-1982) responded with 25 points and forward Pablo Fernandez (196-1982) scored 19 points and 5 assists. Provincial's coach Gutavo Lalima rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. GELP moved-up to fourth place. Newly promoted Provincial dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. GELP will play against Ciclista (#7) in Junin in the next round. Provincial will play on the road against H.Americano in Rio Gallegos and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Provincial: A.Boccia 25+2reb+3ast, P.Fernandez 19+4reb+5ast, E.Alejandro 8+7reb+3ast, E.Juan Pablo 8+5reb+2ast, S.Lopez Hoyo 5+5reb+4ast, H.Lucas 4+2reb+1ast
GELP: A.Moreno 23+5reb+1ast, A.Isidro 16+6reb+1ast, B.Augusto 12+10reb+1ast, J.Lancieri 11+6reb+4ast, R.Marco 10+5reb+5ast, M.Bosch 9+3reb+2ast

Jachal - Independiente 77-88

There was no surprise when 14th ranked Jachal (1-7) lost at home to tenth ranked Independiente (3-4) 88-77 on Monday. Independiente looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by guard Maximo Velez (181-1997) who scored that evening 28 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and Ecuadorian forward Johu Castillo (199-1999) supported him with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Independiente's coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by Facundo Bustos did not help to save the game for Jachal. Alvaro Caraffa (199-2000, agency: BIG) added 12 points and 13 rebounds for the hosts. Four Jachal players scored in double figures. Independiente moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Rocamora and La Union. Jachal lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with seven games lost. Independiente will meet Salta Basket (#16) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Jachal will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Jachal: B.Facundo 21+5reb+3ast, C.Bruno 15+3reb+3ast, A.Caraffa 12+13reb+3ast, C.Emanuel 10+4reb+4ast, M.Martin 7+1ast, P.Pecanha 7+12reb+4ast
Independiente: V.Maximo 28+2reb+2ast, C.Johu 16+6reb, M.Vittar 8+2reb+7ast, R.Gabriel 8+2reb+3ast, F.Facundo 6+2reb, R.Facundo 6+4reb+1ast

Lanus - Ameghino 86-72

There was a small surprise when thirteenth ranked Lanus (3-2) beat 10th ranked Ameghino (3-5) in Buenos Aires 86-72 on Thursday. Lanus looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by point guard Andres Lugli (188-1995) who scored that evening 14 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and Joaquin Rios (193-1995) supported him with 21 points and 5 assists. Even 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists by forward Abel Aristimuno (195-1991, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Ameghino. Power forward Juan Luis Abeiro (200-1988) added 19 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Four Ameghino players scored in double figures. Ameghino's coach Pablo Castro tested ten players and allowed the starting five to rest. Lanus moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Ciclista and Dep Viedma. Ameghino lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with five games lost. Lanus will meet Villa Mitre (#15) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ameghino will play against Quilmes MP and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ameghino: J.Luis Abeiro 19+7reb, A.Aristimuno 15+8reb+5ast, P.Osores 12+2reb+2ast, J.Eydallin 10+2reb+1ast, A.Juan 5+1ast, F.Vieta 5+3reb+1ast
Lanus: R.Joaquin 21+4reb+5ast, F.Alorda 16+4reb+2ast, A.Lugli 14+9reb+8ast, L.Capponi 9, E.Somadina 7+6reb+3ast, G.Mariano 6+3reb+3ast

San Isidro - Suardi 56-71

Very expected game when 11th ranked San Isidro (1-3) lost to fifth ranked Suardi (5-1) in San Francisco 56-71 on Friday. The winners were led by Pablo Martinez (197-1982) who scored that evening 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and Santiago Calderon supported him with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) by American Christopher Hooper (198-1991, college: SFC) did not help to save the game for San Isidro. Point guard Santiago Bruno (180) added 15 points and 4 assists for the hosts. Suardi have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Loser San Isidro keeps the eleventh position with three games lost. They share it with Echague. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
San Isidro: C.Hooper 21+10reb+1ast, B.Santiago 15+4reb+4ast, S.Jeronimo 9+5reb+1ast, G.Sinconi 5+4reb+4ast, E.Cancina 3+4reb, C.Lavoratornuovo 3
Suardi: P.Martinez 16+6reb+5ast, C.Santiago 14+5reb, F.Nahuel 10+2reb+2ast, L.Lizarraga 9+1reb+4ast, R.Horacio 8+4reb+2ast, F.Gaston 6+7reb+2ast