La Liga Round 9 (Regular Season): Obras beat Boca in a derby game

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in La Liga. The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Buenos Aires: Obras (#5) and Boca (#7). Obras (7-1) won against visiting Boca (7-4) 104-96. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Boca. Obras made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Armenian-American guard Andre Spight (190-1995, college: N.Colorado, agency: Helping Ballers) who scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international point guard Pedro Barral (187-1994) chipped in 15 points and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international Sebastian Vega (200-1988) who recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Obras have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Boca at the other side dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Obras are looking forward to face La Union (#17) in Formosa in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Boca will play on the road against Obera (#12) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Leader Olimpico delivered the ninth victory. This time they beat 19th ranked Union (1-8) 87-81 in La Banda. It was a good game for the former international guard Nicolas Romano (200) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. Nicolas Aguirre contributed with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. point guard Jeremias Sandrini (185-1993) answered with 12 points for Union. Union SF's coach Sebastian Punet rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Olimpico. They maintain first place with 9-1 record, which they share with Quimsa and San Lorenzo. Union lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the eighteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Penarol. Olimpico will play against Penarol (#18) in Mar del Plata in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Union will play at home against Zarate to get more than just one victory in their record.
A very close game took place in Olivia between Gimnasia and Independ.O.. Tenth ranked Gimnasia (5-6) got a very close victory on the road over 16th ranked Independ.O. (3-7). Gimnasia managed to escape with a 3-point win 85-82 on Tuesday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Vaughn De stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The best for the losing side was Salvador Giletto with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Gimnasia went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Independ.O. lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the sixteenth place with seven games lost. Gimnasia will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Independ.O. will play against Comunicaciones (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 9 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Riachuelo was defeated by Zarate in a road game 77-74. Boca was beaten by Instituto at home 88-94. Instituto won against Penarol on the opponent's court 79-67. Quimsa managed to outperform Union in a home game 78-69. Comunicaciones recorded a loss to Regatas on the road 80-75. San Martin defeated Comunicaciones on its own court 83-69. Gimnasia beat Riachuelo in Comodoro Rivadavia 82-79. San Lorenzo destroyed Ferro at home 83-53. Gimnasia unfortunately lost to Instituto on the opponent's court 69-87. Riachuelo managed to beat Argentino in a home game 95-77.
The best stats of 9th round was 13 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists by Jonathan Maldonado of Riachuelo LR.



Zarate - Riachuelo LR 77-74

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both twelfth ranked Zarate and 15th ranked Riachuelo had identical 4-5 record. This time Zarate used a home court advantage and edged the opponent from La Rioja 77-74 on Saturday night. Agustin Brocal (191-1997) stepped up and scored 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and swingman Damian Pineda (194-1988) chipped in 17 points. The best for the losing side was Colombian forward Andres Ibarguen (200-1996, college: Angelo St., agency: Helping Ballers) with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Victor Fernandez (180-1999) scored 18 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Zarate. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with San Martin. Loser Riachuelo LR dropped to the twelfth position with six games lost. They share it with Obera. Zarate will meet Union (#19) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Riachuelo will play against San Martin (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Zarate: A.Brocal 26+8reb+3ast, D.Pineda 17+4reb+2ast, S.Chaine 15+2reb+1ast, J.Aprea 6+5reb+2ast, M.Perez 3+3reb, E.Rupcic 3+1reb
Riachuelo LR: V.Fernandez 18+1reb, A.Ibarguen 13+10reb, A.Young 12+4reb+2ast, J.Maldonado 9+3reb+3ast, B.Mateo 7+2reb+1ast, N.De los Santos 7+5reb+4ast

Olimpico - Union SF 87-81

Leader Olimpico delivered the ninth victory. This time they beat 19th ranked Union (1-8) 87-81 in La Banda. Olimpico made 20-of-26 charity shots (76.9 percent) during the game. Union was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for the former international guard Nicolas Romano (200) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. The former international point guard Nicolas Aguirre (189-1988) contributed with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Olimpico players scored in double figures. Point guard Jeremias Sandrini (185-1993) answered with 12 points and American guard Trevor Moore (196-1999, college: MSU) added 13 points in the effort for Union. Union SF's coach Sebastian Punet rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Olimpico. They maintain first place with 9-1 record, which they share with Quimsa and San Lorenzo. Union lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the eighteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Penarol. Olimpico will play against Penarol (#18) in Mar del Plata in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Union will play at home against Zarate to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Olimpico: N.Romano 21+12reb+2ast, N.Aguirre 17+5reb+4ast, P.Tabarez 14+4reb+1ast, D.Collier 10+13reb, T.Zanzottera 9+4reb+1ast, J.Arengo 8+1reb+2ast
Union SF: T.Moore 13+2reb, J.Sandrini 12+4reb+3ast, E.Cave 10+4reb, F.Pais 10+1reb, B.Pedro 8+6reb, I.Alessio 8+1reb+1ast

Boca - Instituto 88-94

There was a small surprise in Buenos Aires where seventh ranked Instituto (6-3) defeated their close opponent Boca (7-4) 94-88 on Saturday. Instituto made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The former international point guard Leandro Vildoza (180-1994) stepped up and scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners and the former international Mauro Cosolito (192-1988) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. The best for the losing side was the former international point guard Jose Vildoza (191-1996, agency: Octagon Europe) with 15 points and 8 rebounds and American power forward Raven Barber (206-1991, college: Mt.St.Mary's, agency: AG Sports Solutions) scored 8 points and 12 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Instituto. They maintain seventh place with 6-3 record. Loser Boca dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Instituto will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Boca will play against Obera (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Instituto: L.Vildoza 17+6reb+8ast, M.Cosolito 17+5reb+7ast, J.Saiz 16+8reb+1ast, B.Jefferson 13+2reb+1ast, N.Hoover 12+3reb+2ast, B.Lugarini 9+9reb+1ast
Boca: J.Vildoza 15+8reb+2ast, J.Defelippo 14+4reb+2ast, L.Mainoldi 13+3reb+2ast, L.Schattmann 13+2reb+4ast, M.Mata 11+7reb+1ast, S.Vega 10+6reb+2ast

Penarol - Instituto 67-79

Very expected game in Mar del Plata where 18th ranked Penarol (1-8) was defeated by seventh ranked Instituto (6-3) 79-67 on Monday. The former international forward Bautista Lugarini (203-2001) stepped up and scored 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and the former international Javier Saiz (206-1994) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American forward Al Thornton (203-1983, college: FSU, agency: BIG) with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Joaquin Valinotti (185-1998) scored 18 points and 6 assists. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Instituto. They maintain seventh place with 6-3 record. Penarol lost their seventh game in a row. They keep the eighteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Union. Instituto will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Penarol will play against the league's leader Olimpico (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Instituto: J.Saiz 17+7reb, B.Lugarini 16+7reb+2ast, N.Hoover 12+1reb+1ast, M.Cosolito 9+5reb+2ast, L.Vildoza 9+7reb+4ast, F.Elias 8+3reb+2ast
Penarol: J.Valinotti 18+4reb+6ast, A.Thornton 18+10reb+3ast, T.Monacchi 10+7reb, F.Filippa 7+3reb+1ast, R.Whitfield 4+5reb+5ast, J.Morales 4+4reb+1ast

Quimsa - Union SF 78-69

Very predictable result in Santiado del Estero where third ranked Quimsa (9-1) beat 19th ranked Union (1-8) 78-69 on Monday. The former international point guard Juan Brussino (185-1991) stepped up and scored 12 points and 5 assists for the winners and the former international power forward Tayavek Gallizzi (206-1993) chipped in 15 points. The best for the losing side was Cuban center Pedro Bombino (206-2000, agency: Pro Sports) with 12 points and 7 rebounds and Felipe Pais (183-1990) scored 11 points and 4 assists. Four Union players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Quimsa. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Olimpico and San Lorenzo. Union lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the eighteenth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Penarol. Quimsa will meet at home San Martin (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Union will play against Zarate (#10) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Quimsa: T.Gallizzi 15+4reb+1ast, S.Acevedo 13+3reb+1ast, J.Brussino 12+3reb+5ast, E.Vasirani 9+4reb+1ast, E.Basabe 8+4reb+1ast, B.Robinson 8+7reb+2ast
Union SF: T.Moore 15+2reb+1ast, I.Alessio 15+4reb, B.Pedro 12+7reb+1ast, F.Pais 11+4reb+4ast, J.Sandrini 5+2reb+4ast, D.Valentin 5+6reb+1ast

Regatas - Comunicaciones 80-75

Not a big story in a game in Corrientes where 13th ranked Comunicaciones (4-7) was defeated by ninth ranked Regatas (6-4) 80-75 on Monday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Regatas outrebounded Comunicaciones 44-32 including 29 on the defensive glass. Point guard Tobias Franchela (185-2001) stepped up and scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and the former international forward Facundo Pinero (202-1988) chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Regatas players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American point guard Keron DeShields (190-1992, college: Tennessee St., agency: Diamond Sports) with 21 points and the other American import guard Marcus Thomas (191-1995, college: Rosemont) scored 19 points. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Regatas moved-up to eighth place. Comunicaciones lost their fifth game in a row. They dropped to the fourteenth position with seven games lost. Regatas will meet at home higher ranked Platense (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Comunicaciones will play against Independ.O. (#16) in Olivia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Regatas: T.Franchela 16+5reb+4ast, F.Pinero 13+6reb+4ast, F.Vieta 12+5reb+1ast, A.Jaime 11+5reb+1ast, G.McGhee 11+9reb, X.Carreras 6+7reb
Comunicaciones: K.DeShields 21+4reb+3ast, M.Thomas 19+4reb+1ast, T.Pereyra 9+3reb+2ast, E.Maxwell 9+6reb+1ast, J.Strings 6+7reb+1ast, A.Montes 6+2reb+1ast

Independ.O. - Gimnasia 82-85

A very close game took place in Olivia between Gimnasia and Independ.O.. Tenth ranked Gimnasia (5-6) got a very close victory on the road over 16th ranked Independ.O. (3-7). Gimnasia managed to escape with a 3-point win 85-82 on Tuesday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. American center Vaughn De (205-1988, college: Stillman) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and American-Italian Brandon Nazione (202-1994, college: EMU) chipped in 18 points and 15 rebounds. De Vaughn is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The best for the losing side was Salvador Giletto (195-1993) with 12 points and 8 rebounds and guard Agustin Pautasso (192-1997) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Four Independ.O. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Gimnasia went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Independ.O. lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the sixteenth place with seven games lost. Gimnasia will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Independ.O. will play against Comunicaciones (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gimnasia: G.De Vaughn 23+10reb+5ast, B.Nazione 18+15reb+3ast, J.Webster 16+1reb+4ast, G.Mariani 8+3reb+4ast, T.Emiliano 7+3reb+1ast, D.Martiniano 5+3reb
Independ.O.: S.Giletto 12+8reb, A.Alonso 12+2reb+2ast, P.Ezequiel 11+2reb, C.Scaramuzzino 11+8reb, J.Banegas 10+3reb+1ast, A.Pautasso 10+8reb+2ast

San Martin - Comunicaciones 83-69

Everything went according to plan in Corrientes where ninth ranked San Martin (5-5) won against 13th ranked Comunicaciones (4-7) 83-69 on Wednesday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when San Martin made 8 blocks. Swingman Lucas Gargallo (196-1995) stepped up and scored 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and Ecuadorian center Bryan Carabali (214-1999) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Four San Martin players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American point guard Keron DeShields (190-1992, college: Tennessee St., agency: Diamond Sports) with 23 points and the other American import guard Marcus Thomas (191-1995, college: Rosemont) scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Comunicaciones' coach let to play ten players and allowed the starting five to rest. San Martin maintains ninth place with 5-5 record, which they share with Zarate. Comunicaciones lost their fifth game in a row. They dropped to the fourteenth position with seven games lost. San Martin will meet league's second-placed Quimsa in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Comunicaciones will play against Independ.O. (#16) in Olivia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
San Martin: L.Gargallo 19+7reb, C.Buendia 16+1reb+3ast, C.Bryan 15+8reb, V.Garello 12+9reb, M.Franco 7+1reb+4ast, A.Perez 5+4reb+2ast
Comunicaciones: K.DeShields 23+3reb+1ast, M.Thomas 12+6reb+4ast, A.Santiago 10+5reb, E.Martinez 5+5reb, E.Maxwell 4+5reb, J.Strings 4+5reb

Obras - Boca 104-96

The most exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Buenos Aires: Obras (#5) and Boca (#7). Obras (7-1) won against visiting Boca (7-4) 104-96. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Boca. Obras made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Armenian-American guard Andre Spight (190-1995, college: N.Colorado, agency: Helping Ballers) who scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international point guard Pedro Barral (187-1994) chipped in 15 points and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international Sebastian Vega (200-1988) who recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds and the former international Leonel Schattmann (193-1987) added 25 points and 4 assists respectively. Five Obras and four Boca players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Obras have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Boca at the other side dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Obras are looking forward to face La Union (#17) in Formosa in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Boca will play on the road against Obera (#12) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Obras: V.Juan 19+1reb+4ast, I.Felipe 18+4reb+2ast, A.Spight 16+7reb+4ast, P.Barral 15+2reb+7ast, L.Cerminato 15+4reb, S.Franco 9+2reb
Boca: L.Schattmann 25+2reb+4ast, S.Vega 20+11reb+2ast, J.Defelippo 11+3reb, G.Juan 10+3reb+2ast, R.Barber 9+3reb+1ast, R.Manuel 7+5reb

Riachuelo LR - Gimnasia 79-82

There was no surprise in La Rioja where 15th ranked Riachuelo (4-6) was edged by tenth ranked Gimnasia (5-6) 82-79 on Thursday. Gimnasia outrebounded Riachuelo 38-27 including 26 on the defensive glass. American guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) stepped up and scored 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners and his fellow American import center Vaughn De (205-1988, college: Stillman) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds. De Vaughn is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Gimnasia's coach Martin Villagran used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Colombian forward Andres Ibarguen (200-1996, college: Angelo St., agency: Helping Ballers) with 19 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and the former international point guard Nicolas De los Santos (180-1988) scored 19 points and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Despite that victory Gimnasia went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Loser Riachuelo LR dropped to the twelfth place with six games lost. They share the position with Obera. Gimnasia will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Riachuelo will play against San Martin (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gimnasia: J.Webster 21+9reb+2ast, G.De Vaughn 20+6reb, B.Nazione 15+6reb+1ast, T.Emiliano 11+6reb+2ast, P.Gramajo 5+3reb+7ast, F.Podesta 2+2reb
Riachuelo LR: N.De los Santos 19+1reb+5ast, A.Ibarguen 19+9reb+1ast, A.Young 12+1reb+1ast, J.Maldonado 12+3reb+5ast, S.Maxwell 6+3reb, S.Arese 6+3reb+2ast

San Lorenzo - Ferro 83-53

No shocking result in a game in Almagro where third ranked San Lorenzo (9-1) smashed 14th ranked Ferro (3-5) 83-53 on Friday. San Lorenzo dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Ferro's 32. San Lorenzo forced 22 Ferro turnovers. Swingman Federico Grun (191-1996) stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and the former international center Ivan Basualdo (203-1990) chipped in 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Four San Lorenzo players scored in double figures. San Lorenzo's coach Leonardo Costa felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was naturalized Italian center Damian Tintorelli (205-1981) with 11 points and 7 rebounds and swingman Valentin Bettiga (189-1999) scored 5 points and 8 rebounds. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for San Lorenzo. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Quimsa and Olimpico. Loser Ferro dropped to the fifteenth place with five games lost. San Lorenzo will meet at home La Union (#17) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Ferro will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
San Lorenzo: F.Grun 19+6reb+3ast, C.Francisco 16+1reb+3ast, G.Cordoba 10+7reb+1ast, I.Basualdo 10+6reb+4ast, L.Perez 9+3reb+4ast, E.Dupuy 7+1reb+2ast
Ferro: D.Tintorelli 11+7reb, R.Felipe 10+2reb+1ast, M.Fierro 7+7reb, V.Bettiga 5+8reb+2ast, L.Emiliano 5+3reb+2ast, M.Luchi 4+2reb+2ast

Instituto - Gimnasia 87-69

Rather expected game in Cordoba where 10th ranked Gimnasia (5-6) was defeated by seventh ranked Instituto (6-3) 87-69 on Saturday. The former international forward Bautista Lugarini (203-2001) stepped up and scored 8 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and the former international point guard Leandro Vildoza (180-1994) chipped in 11 points. The best for the losing side was American center Vaughn De (205-1988, college: Stillman) with 12 points and 6 rebounds and guard Guido Mariani (193-1994, agency: BIG) scored 15 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Instituto. They maintain seventh place with 6-3 record. Loser Gimnasia dropped to the eleventh position with six games lost.
Top scorers:
Instituto: F.Elias 14+1reb+1ast, F.Juan 12+1reb+1ast, L.Vildoza 11+4reb+2ast, B.Lugarini 8+7reb+3ast, B.Jefferson 8+4reb, M.Cosolito 8+4reb+3ast
Gimnasia: G.Mariani 15+3reb, G.De Vaughn 12+6reb+1ast, B.Nazione 11+6reb, S.Norberto 9+1reb+1ast, F.Podesta 5+2reb, J.Webster 4+4ast

Riachuelo LR - Argentino 95-77

Very predictable result in La Rioja where fifteenth ranked Riachuelo (4-6) beat bottom-ranked Argentino (1-9) 95-77 on Saturday. Riachuelo shot 62.3 percent from the field. Naturalized Spanish guard Jonathan Maldonado (188-1990) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and American Anthony Young (200-1989, college: KWC) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American point guard Manny Payton (183-1997, college: FSU) with 22 points and the other American import forward Richard Granberry (203-1993, college: Virginia St.) scored 14 points and 9 rebounds. Five Riachuelo and four Argentino players scored in double figures. Argentino's coach Matias Huarte let to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Riachuelo moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Obera. Argentino lost their third game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Riachuelo will meet at home higher ranked San Martin (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Argentino will play against the league's second-placed Quimsa (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Riachuelo LR: A.Young 19+6reb+1ast, S.Maxwell 13+3reb+1ast, J.Maldonado 13+10reb+7ast, N.De los Santos 12+2reb+3ast, A.Ibarguen 12+5reb+2ast, S.Arese 9+2reb
Argentino: M.Payton 22+4reb+2ast, R.Granberry 14+9reb, J.Slider 11+3reb+1ast, G.Aliende 10+2reb+6ast, R.Santino 5+3reb, A.Facello 5+1reb+1ast