La Liga Argentina Round 23 (Regular Season): Ameghino defeat Pico FC

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Pico FC (11-5) in Villa Maria on Tuesday night. Visitors were defeated by eleventh ranked Ameghino (8-8) 73-56. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Pico FC. Ameghino dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Pico FC's 18. Ecuadorian Abraham Barahona (198-2003) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). point guard Fermin Thygesen (186-1998) contributed with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Ameghino's coach Pablo Castro used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Felipe Bonfigli answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds for Pico FC. Ameghino moved-up to seventh place, which they share with GELP and Provincial. Pico FC at the other side still keeps top position with five games lost. Ameghino is again looking forward to face league's leader Pico FC in General Pico in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Pico FC will have a break next round.
Ninth-ranked Rivadavia (7-6) was very close to win a game against second ranked Atenas (11-3) in Cordoba. Atenas managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected much easier game. It was a great evening for point guard Nicolas Zurschmitten (183-1995) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 9 rebounds. Lucas Arn helped adding 9 points and 12 rebounds. Center Laureano Zalio (207-1995, agency: BIG) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. Rivadavia's coach Sebastian Torre rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Atenas maintains second place with 11-3 record behind leader Pico FC. Rivadavia at the other side keeps the ninth position with six games lost. They share it with H.Americano. Atenas will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rivadavia will play on the road against Barrio Parque (#7) in Cordoba and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Pilar (10-5) against fifth ranked Racing (11-9) on Tuesday night. Host Pilar was crushed by Racing in 83-57. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Pilar. It was a key game for the second position in the league. It was an exceptional evening for Norberto Stucky who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Dishon Lowery came up with 6 points and 14 rebounds for Pilar 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. Racing moved-up to second place. Loser Pilar dropped to the third position with five games lost. They share it with Lanus and Dep Viedma. Racing's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Chivilcoy Racing.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 23: H.Americano was beaten by U.Mar del Plata on the road 73-69. Lanus won against Pergamino on its own court 80-64. Ciclista unfortunately lost to Racing A. in Buenos Aires 75-81. Salta Basket managed to beat Independiente at home 80-73.
The most impressive performance of 23th round was 15 points and 8 rebounds by Facundo Arias Binda of Salta Basket.



U.Mar del Plata - H.Americano 73-69

There was a surprise result when sixteenth ranked U.Mar del Plata (5-11) beat at home higher ranked H.Americano (7-6) 73-69 on Monday. U.Mar del Plata dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to H.Americano's 28. They outrebounded H.Americano 39-24 including a 29-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for Juan Bellozas (195-1993) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds. Forward Matias Carneglia (200-2002) accounted for 20 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side. Matias Aristu (194-1995) came up with 16 points and 7 rebounds and the former international power forward Gonzalo Torres (201-1994) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for H.Americano in the defeat. Four H.Americano players scored in double figures. Newly promoted U.Mar del Plata maintains sixteenth place with 5-11 record. Loser H.Americano dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. They share it with Rivadavia. U.Mar del Plata will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. H.Americano will play against Villa Mitre (#6) in Bahia Blanca and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
U.Mar del Plata: J.Bellozas 22+14reb+1ast, C.Matias 20+11reb, Q.Tomas 8+2reb+5ast, J.Varas 6+3reb+1ast, V.Agustin 6+3reb+2ast, B.Felipe 5+2reb+7ast
H.Americano: M.Aristu 16+7reb+2ast, G.Torres 16+6reb+1ast, C.Jeremias 16+1reb, G.Romero 10+7reb+5ast, M.Lucas 5+1reb, E.Cantarutti 3+2reb+5ast

Atenas - Rivadavia 70-67

Ninth-ranked Rivadavia (7-6) was very close to win a game against second ranked Atenas (11-3) in Cordoba. Atenas managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected much easier game. Atenas outrebounded Rivadavia 41-27 including 28 on the defensive glass. Rivadavia was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for point guard Nicolas Zurschmitten (183-1995) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 9 rebounds. Lucas Arn (197-1989) helped adding 9 points and 12 rebounds. Center Laureano Zalio (207-1995, agency: BIG) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Tomas Luduena (178-1996) scored 10 points and 4 assists. Four Atenas and five Rivadavia players scored in double figures. Rivadavia's coach Sebastian Torre rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Atenas maintains second place with 11-3 record behind leader Pico FC. Rivadavia at the other side keeps the ninth position with six games lost. They share it with H.Americano. Atenas will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rivadavia will play on the road against Barrio Parque (#7) in Cordoba and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Atenas: J.Montero 15+5reb+1ast, N.Zurschmitten 14+9reb+3ast, J.Cruz Oberto 11+9reb, R.Johnson 10+3reb, L.Arn 9+12reb+1ast, C.Buemo 8+2reb+1ast
Rivadavia: A.Alejo 13+2reb+1ast, L.Gorosterrazu 11+3reb, F.Pedano 10+2reb+2ast, L.Zalio 10+10reb, L.Tomas 10+3reb+4ast, S.Juan 6

Ameghino - Pico FC 73-56

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Pico FC (11-5) in Villa Maria on Tuesday night. Visitors were defeated by eleventh ranked Ameghino (8-8) 73-56. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Pico FC. Ameghino dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Pico FC's 18. Ecuadorian Abraham Barahona (198-2003) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Point guard Fermin Thygesen (186-1998) contributed with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Ameghino's coach Pablo Castro used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Felipe Bonfigli answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and Franco Zalabardo (190-1991) added 11 points in the effort for Pico FC. Ameghino moved-up to seventh place, which they share with GELP and Provincial. Pico FC at the other side still keeps top position with five games lost. Ameghino is again looking forward to face league's leader Pico FC in General Pico in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Pico FC will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ameghino: B.Abraham 17+11reb, P.Osores 13+3reb+1ast, F.Thygesen 9+5reb+4ast, F.Vieta 8+2reb+3ast, A.Aristimuno 6+4reb+2ast, R.Carlos 6+4reb
Pico FC: B.Felipe 12+12reb+2ast, P.Manuel 12, Z.Franco 11+2reb, E.Facundo 6+2reb+2ast, A.Rossi 6+1reb, T.Cravero 5+6reb+1ast

Pilar - Racing 57-83

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Pilar (10-5) against fifth ranked Racing (11-9) on Tuesday night. Host Pilar was crushed by Racing in 83-57. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Pilar. It was a key game for the second position in the league. It was an exceptional evening for forward Norberto Stucky (198-1994) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Point guard Miguel De (176-1997, agency: BIG) accounted for 16 points for the winning side. Four Racing players scored in double figures. American center Dishon Lowery (200-1998, college: OKBU) came up with 6 points and 14 rebounds and Puerto Rican guard Jesus Cruz (196-1998, college: Fairfield) added 19 points respectively for Pilar 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. Racing moved-up to second place. Loser Pilar dropped to the third position with five games lost. They share it with Lanus and Dep Viedma. Racing's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Chivilcoy Racing.
Top scorers:
Racing: S.Norberto 20+11reb+3ast, D.Miguel 16+2reb+3ast, J.Peralta 13+1reb, C.Juan 12+9reb, A.Tomas 9+5reb, A.Nehuen 5+2reb+1ast
Pilar: J.Cruz 19+2reb+1ast, M.Joaquin 9+1ast, S.Ibarra 8+1reb+1ast, E.Gamboa 7+2reb+2ast, C.Bruno 6+2reb+2ast, D.Lowery 6+14reb+2ast

Lanus - Pergamino 80-64

Very expected game when 15th ranked Pergamino (5-10) lost to fourth ranked Lanus (10-5) in Buenos Aires 64-80 on Tuesday. Lanus dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Pergamino's 22. They outrebounded Pergamino 46-29 including 34 on the defensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for point guard Andres Lugli (188-1995) who led the winners with a triple-double by scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Joaquin Rios (193-1995) accounted for 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Four Lanus players scored in double figures. Forward Benjamin Levato (188-1999) came up with 17 points and 5 rebounds and Franco Heck added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Pergamino in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Lanus have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Dep Viedma and Pilar. Loser Pergamino dropped to the twelfth position with ten games lost. They share it with Ciclista and Salta Basket. Lanus will meet at home Ciclista (#14) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Pergamino will play against Pilar and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lanus: R.Joaquin 16+5reb+2ast, D.Muccio Lucas 15+5reb, A.Lugli 14+13reb+10ast, F.Alorda 10+8reb, M.Franchino 9+8reb, S.Juan Cruz 6+1reb
Pergamino: B.Levato 17+5reb+1ast, B.Juan Martin 13+1reb+4ast, H.Franco 12+7reb+2ast, G.Luciano 8+2reb+2ast, G.Federico 5, J.Zesati 5+10reb+2ast

Racing A. - Ciclista 81-75

Very predictable result when seventh ranked Racing A. (7-2) won against 14th ranked Ciclista (5-10) in Buenos Aires 81-75 on Tuesday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. It was an exceptional evening for forward Rafael Rosende (198-1997) who led the winners and scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. Power forward Matias Nunez (202-1995) accounted for 12 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. Uruguayan center Matias Acosta (200-1999) came up with 18 points and 5 rebounds and guard Alejo Britos (187-1994) added 14 points respectively for Ciclista in the defeat. Four Racing A. and five Ciclista players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Despite that victory Racing A. went down to tenth position due to points difference. Loser Ciclista dropped to the twelfth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Pergamino and Salta Basket. Racing A. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ciclista will play against Lanus (#3) in Buenos Aires and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Racing A.: R.Rosende 14+7reb+1ast, S.Luis 13+2reb+3ast, M.Nunez 12+6reb+1ast, N.Remolina 10+4reb+4ast, B.Nestor 9+4reb, P.Perez 9+3reb+5ast
Ciclista: A.Matias 18+5reb+1ast, C.Ebeling 15+3reb, A.Britos 14+4reb+2ast, V.Samuel 13+7reb, A.Pablo 10+4reb+2ast, J.Basualdo 5+6reb+1ast

Salta Basket - Independiente 80-73

There was a minor upset when 10th ranked Independiente (6-8) lost on the road to twelfth ranked Salta Basket (5-10) 80-73 on Tuesday. It was an exceptional evening for Facundo Arias Binda (192-1993) who led the winners and scored 15 points and 8 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Jeronimo Diaz accounted for 10 points and 5 assists for the winning side. Point guard Milton Vittar (185-1991) came up with 14 points and 5 rebounds and guard Maximo Velez (181-1997) added 17 points respectively for Independiente in the defeat. Five Salta Basket and four Independiente players scored in double figures. Independiente's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Salta Basket have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain twelfth place with 5-10 record, which they share with Ciclista and Pergamino. Loser Independiente keeps the tenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Amancay. Salta Basket will meet higher ranked Villa S.Martin (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Independiente will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Salta Basket: A.Binda Facundo 15+8reb+2ast, T.Angel 13+2reb+1ast, J.Agustin 12+3reb+1ast, G.Santiago 10+2reb+2ast, D.Jeronimo 10+3reb+5ast, L.Gallardo 10+2reb+3ast
Independiente: V.Maximo 17+1reb+2ast, M.Vittar 14+5reb+2ast, L.Gomez 12+3reb+1ast, C.Johu 11+4reb+1ast, F.Jerez 9+5reb+3ast, P.Martin 6+3reb