La Liga Round 39 (Regular Season): Boca keep a leadership position

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Boca as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Boca edged 16th ranked Independ.O. in Buenos Aires 80-78. It was a good game for the former international point guard Jose Vildoza (191-1996, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory with 14 points and 5 assists. The former international Sebastian Vega (200-1988) contributed with 9 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Agustin Jara (186-1998) answered with 16 points for Independ.O.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Independ.O. at the other side keeps the sixteenth place with 22 games lost. They share the position with Platense. Independ.O. will play next round against Penarol trying to get back on the winning streak. Boca will try to continue on its current victory against eighteenth ranked La Union in Formosa.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Riachuelo (21-12) against sixth ranked Instituto (20-11) on Saturday night. Host Riachuelo was crushed by Instituto in La Rioja 87-67. It was a great evening for the former international forward Bautista Lugarini (203-2001) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points and 9 rebounds. Nicola Pomoli helped adding 15 points and 5 steals. The best for the losing side was American power forward Reginald Buckner (206-1991, college: Ole Miss) with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Instituto maintains sixth place with 20-11 record. Riachuelo at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 12 games lost. Instituto will play against league's second-placed Quimsa in Santiado del Estero in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Riachuelo will have a break next round.
La Liga top team - Quimsa (25-11) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Atenas (18-18) in Santiado del Estero 119-76. It was a quality performance for Tavario Miller who led the winners and scored 20 points (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Quimsa's coach Leandro Ramella felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Carlos Buemo came up with 16 points for Atenas in the defeat. Despite that victory Quimsa went down to second position due to points difference. Atenas lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the ninth place with 18 games lost. Quimsa will meet at home Instituto (#6) in the next round. Atenas will play against Gimnasia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 39: bottom-ranked Argentino was smashed by La Union on the road 104-73. Olimpico lost to Atenas on its own court 81-84. Penarol unfortunately lost to Union in Santa Fe 79-85. Gimnasia rolled over Regatas at home 109-70.



La Union - Argentino 104-73

No shocking result in a game when eighteenth ranked La Union (12-22) crushed bottom-ranked Argentino (6-28) in Formosa 104-73 on Wednesday. La Union outrebounded Argentino 43-21 including a 37-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. La Union shot the lights out from three sinking 18 long-distance shots on high 52.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Argentino's players. It was an exceptional evening for naturalized American guard Romeao Ferguson (196-1997, college: Lipscomb) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. American swingman Jay Bowie (196-1992, college: Marist, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) accounted for 27 points for the winning side. Five La Union players scored in double figures. La Union's coach Jose Luis Pisani felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Raynere Thornton (201-1997, college: Memphis, agency: 011 Sports) came up with 19 points and 5 rebounds and Mexican swingman Manuel Hernandez (193-1991) added 19 points respectively for Argentino in the defeat. La Union maintains eighteenth place with 12-22 record. Loser Argentino stay dead last with 28 lost games. La Union will meet at home league's leader Boca in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Argentino will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
La Union: J.Bowie 27+4reb+2ast, F.Harina 23+3reb+3ast, R.Ferguson 16+8reb+10ast, D.Owens 15+3reb+1ast, M.Rodriguez 11+11reb, R.Sanchez 9+6reb+1ast
Argentino: R.Thornton 19+5reb+1ast, M.Hernandez 19+3reb+3ast, T.Allende 14+5reb+1ast, I.Bednarek 8+3reb, R.Frontera 6+4reb+1ast, M.Gomez 5+2ast

Quimsa - Atenas 119-76

La Liga top team - Quimsa (25-11) had no problems winning another game on Wednesday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Atenas (18-18) in Santiado del Estero 119-76. Quimsa dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Atenas' 24. Quimsa looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Atenas' players. It was a quality performance for Bahamas center Tavario Miller (203-1994, college: Texas A&M) who led the winners and scored 20 points (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). The former international guard Nicolas Romano (200-1987) accounted for 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Miller is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Quimsa's coach Leandro Ramella felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Carlos Buemo (194-1996) came up with 16 points and swingman Ramiro Ledesma (192-2000) added 12 points respectively for Atenas in the defeat. Four Quimsa and five Atenas players scored in double figures. Despite that victory Quimsa went down to second position due to points difference. Atenas lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the ninth place with 18 games lost. Quimsa will meet at home Instituto (#6) in the next round. Atenas will play against Gimnasia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Quimsa: T.Miller 20+4reb, A.Perez 17+2reb+2ast, B.Robinson 13+3reb+2ast, N.Romano 12+5reb+4ast, F.Zezular 10+4reb+1ast, A.Louis 10+2reb+2ast
Atenas: C.Buemo 16+2reb+1ast, R.Ledesma 12+4reb+2ast, J.Cruz Oberto 11+6reb+1ast, L.Arn 11+2reb+1ast, J.Montero 11+6reb+1ast, C.Buendia 8+1reb+2ast

Olimpico - Atenas 81-84

Very expected game when 15th ranked Olimpico (16-20) was edged by eleventh ranked Atenas (18-18) in La Banda 84-81 on Friday. It was an exceptional evening for power forward Juan Cruz Oberto (200-1997) who led the winners and scored 19 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Nakye Sanders (202-1997, college: Towson) accounted for 10 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side. Jose Defelippo (186-1997) came up with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and point guard Agustin Facello (183-1999) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Olimpico in the defeat. Five Atenas and four Olimpico players scored in double figures. Atenas moved-up to ninth place. Olimpico lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with 20 games lost. Atenas will meet at home higher ranked Gimnasia (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Olimpico will play against Instituto (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Atenas: J.Cruz Oberto 19+5reb+1ast, N.Zurschmitten 13+5reb+3ast, C.Buendia 12+3reb+4ast, J.Montero 12+5reb+2ast, L.Arn 11+4reb+6ast, N.Sanders 10+13reb+1ast
Olimpico: J.Defelippo 23+8reb+7ast, A.Facello 17+6reb+3ast, D.Shriver 11+3reb+2ast, P.Lockett 10+8reb+1ast, J.Morales 7+5reb+1ast, D.Thomas 6

Union SF - Penarol 85-79

Very predictable result when ninth ranked Union (18-19) won against 14th ranked Penarol (15-20) in Santa Fe 85-79 on Friday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Union looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for Cuban center Pedro Bombino (206-2000) who led the winners and scored 17 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Venezuelan guard Yeferson Guerra (192-2003) accounted for 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Four Union SF players scored in double figures. Union SF's coach Maximiliano Seigorman used a ten-player rotation saving starting five for next games. American guard Marcus Thomas (191-1995, college: Rosemont) came up with 23 points and the other American import forward Al Thornton (203-1983, college: FSU, agency: BIG) added 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Penarol in the defeat. Despite that victory Union went down to tenth position due to points difference, which they share with San Martin. Penarol lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth place with 20 games lost. Union will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Penarol will play against Independ.O. (#16) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Union SF: P.Bombino 17+9reb, D.Morrison 12+2reb+3ast, M.Cabot 11+1reb+5ast, Y.Guerra 11+9reb+4ast, M.Craion 9+3reb+1ast, G.Whelan 8+3reb+4ast
Penarol: M.Thomas 23+4reb+2ast, L.Gonzalez 14+2ast, K.Kramer 9+8reb+1ast, R.Acuna 8+5reb, A.Thornton 8+7reb+4ast, A.Marin 7+2reb+1ast

Boca - Independ.O. 80-78

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Boca as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Boca edged 16th ranked Independ.O. in Buenos Aires 80-78. It was a good game for the former international point guard Jose Vildoza (191-1996, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory with 14 points and 5 assists. The former international Sebastian Vega (200-1988) contributed with 9 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Agustin Jara (186-1998) answered with 16 points and forward Patricio Tabarez (195-1991) added 15 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Independ.O.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Independ.O. at the other side keeps the sixteenth place with 22 games lost. They share the position with Platense. Independ.O. will play next round against Penarol trying to get back on the winning streak. Boca will try to continue on its current victory against eighteenth ranked La Union in Formosa.
Top scorers:
Boca: J.Vildoza 14+2reb+5ast, M.Cuello 14+2reb+1ast, M.Delia 13+1reb+2ast, A.Ibarguen 9+6reb+1ast, S.Vega 9+6reb+3ast, F.Pinero 8+5reb
Independ.O.: A.Jara 16+2reb+3ast, P.Tabarez 15+5reb+1ast, N.Marcucci 14+5reb, J.Nally 8+2reb+1ast, M.Cabrera 7+1reb+2ast, F.Barrionuevo 5+3reb+2ast

Gimnasia - Regatas 109-70

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 8th ranked Regatas' (19-16) road loss to seventh ranked Gimnasia (20-14) in Comodoro Rivadavia 70-109 on Saturday. Gimnasia shot 60.3 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three sinking 20 long-distance shots on high 55.6 percentage. Gimnasia looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Regatas' players. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Robert Whitfield (190-1997, college: UMKC) who led the winners and scored 21 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). His fellow American import Andre Nation (196-1993, college: JMU) accounted for 16 points for the winning side. Four Gimnasia players scored in double figures. American power forward Charles Thomas (203-1986, college: Arkansas) came up with 15 points and the former international Pablo Gramajo (193-1996) added 15 points respectively for Regatas 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. Gimnasia maintains seventh place with 20-14 record. Loser Regatas keeps the eighth position with 16 games lost. Gimnasia will meet Atenas (#9) in the next round. Regatas will play against Obras in Buenos Aires and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gimnasia: R.Whitfield 21+2reb+1ast, K.Horton 16+6reb, A.Nation 16+3reb+3ast, A.Cisneros 13+3reb+4ast, M.Chacon 11+2reb+2ast, M.Dato 9+3reb+4ast
Regatas: P.Gramajo 15+3reb, C.Thomas 15+3reb+1ast, K.Alexander 12+4reb+1ast, S.Lugo 9+4reb, T.Franchela 8+1reb+1ast, C.Ramirez 6+2reb+2ast

Riachuelo LR - Instituto 67-87

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Riachuelo (21-12) against sixth ranked Instituto (20-11) on Saturday night. Host Riachuelo was crushed by Instituto in La Rioja 87-67. Instituto shot the lights out from three nailing 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a great evening for the former international forward Bautista Lugarini (203-2001) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points and 9 rebounds. Uruguayan-Italian swingman Nicola Pomoli (195-1999) helped adding 15 points and 5 steals. The best for the losing side was American power forward Reginald Buckner (206-1991, college: Ole Miss) with 16 points and 9 rebounds and point guard Juan Corbalan (185-1998) scored 11 points. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Instituto maintains sixth place with 20-11 record. Riachuelo at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 12 games lost. Instituto will play against league's second-placed Quimsa in Santiado del Estero in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Riachuelo will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Instituto: N.Pomoli 15+3reb+3ast, B.Lugarini 13+9reb+3ast, E.Holt 13+2reb+1ast, T.Monacchi 8+1reb+1ast, N.Copello 8+1reb+2ast, A.Negrete 8+6reb+4ast
Riachuelo LR: R.Buckner 16+9reb+1ast, J.Corbalan 11+1reb+3ast, I.Montano 9+1reb+1ast, O.Krayem 9+1reb+1ast, V.Forestier 7+5reb+1ast, F.Aguerre 6+3reb+2ast