La Liga Argentina Round 44 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Eighth defeat of league's leader Amancay (16-8) against ninth ranked Suardi (12-11) 90-81 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Amancay. Pablo Martinez (197-1982) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Santiago Calderon (190) contributed with 26 points for the winners. Suardi's coach Andres Poi used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Diego Peralta (195-1994) replied with 14 points and 7 rebounds for Amancay. Suardi have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain ninth position with 12-11 record, which they share with Racing A. Amancay at the other side dropped to the third place with eight games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Provincial. Amancay will play next round against Colon trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Suardi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked San Isidro as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Amancay) loss. San Isidro smashed 11th ranked Rivadavia in San Francisco 85-62. Worth to mention a great performance of Luciano Ortiz (199-1999) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 9 rebounds and Chris Hooper who added 17 points during the contest. American-Colombian Simon Hunt-Ramirez (201-1998, college: Sonoma St.) responded with 15 points and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Barrio Parque. Rivadavia lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Independiente. Rivadavia will play next round against Jujuy trying to get back on the winning streak. San Isidro will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
A very close game took place in San Miguel de Tucuman between Estudiantes T. and Caroya. Eighth ranked Estudiantes T. (12-9) got a very close home victory over 10th ranked Caroya (12-12). Estudiantes T. managed to escape with a 1-point win 74-73 on Thursday evening. The winners were led by Elias Cave who scored that evening 18 points and 7 rebounds. Even 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists by Juan Frontera did not help to save the game for Caroya. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Estudiantes T. moved-up to seventh place. Loser Caroya keeps the tenth position with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 44: Comunicaciones was beaten by Riojana on the road 86-80. Centenario VT won against Pergamino on its own court 73-67. El Talar unfortunately lost to Rocamora in a road game 78-79. U.Mar del Plata managed to beat Dep Viedma at home 88-71. Santa Paula defeated Hindu on the opponent's court 77-72. Independiente was beaten by Caroya in a home game 81-83.



Riojana - Comunicaciones 86-80

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifteenth ranked Riojana (9-15) beat at home 14th ranked Comunicaciones (8-12) 86-80 on Thursday. Riojana made 26-of-34 free shots (76.5 percent) during the game. The winners were led by power forward Juan Luis Abeiro (200-1988) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and forward Juan Rodriguez (196-2002) supported him with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Four Riojana players scored in double figures. Even 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals by Spanish-Venezuelan swingman Franger Pirela (187-2002) did not help to save the game for Comunicaciones. Franco Fragozo (198-2001) added 12 points for the guests. Comunicaciones' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Riojana moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with U.Mar del Plata. Comunicaciones lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth position with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Comunicaciones: F.Pirela 19+6reb+5ast, D.Pineda 12+1reb+1ast, F.Fragozo 12+4reb+1ast, L.Machuca 9+2reb+4ast, L.Peralta 9+2reb+1ast, P.Lockett 6+8reb+1ast
Riojana: J.Rodriguez 22+5reb+3ast, L.Juan 17+13reb+5ast, M.Corso 14+3reb+1ast, L.Velazquez 10+5reb+2ast, K.Gabriel 9+3reb, M.Vergara 6+1ast

Estudiantes T. - Caroya 74-73

A very close game took place in San Miguel de Tucuman between Estudiantes T. and Caroya. Eighth ranked Estudiantes T. (12-9) got a very close home victory over 10th ranked Caroya (12-12). Estudiantes T. managed to escape with a 1-point win 74-73 on Thursday evening. The winners were led by American forward Elias Cave (201, college: Minot St.) who scored that evening 18 points and 7 rebounds and Federico Pedano (194-2000) supported him with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Even 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists by point guard Juan Frontera (178-2002) did not help to save the game for Caroya. Ignacio Segura (195-2000) added 15 points and 4 assists for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Estudiantes T. moved-up to seventh place. Loser Caroya keeps the tenth position with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Caroya: J.Frontera 17+7reb+5ast, J.Agustin 16+1ast, S.Ignacio 15+4reb+4ast, T.Ligorria 9+5reb+2ast, M.Walton 5+3reb, H.Ibar 5+6reb
Estudiantes T.: C.Elias 18+7reb+1ast, P.Federico 13+5reb+2ast, J.Rodriguez 11+1reb+1ast, A.Patricio 9+9reb+1ast, J.Bollo 7+5reb+2ast, S.Capelli 7+3reb+2ast

Centenario VT - Pergamino 73-67

Very expected game when 16th ranked Pergamino (5-21) lost on the road to ninth ranked Centenario VT (12-8) 73-67 on Thursday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Centenario VT outrebounded Pergamino 41-29 including a 37-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Centenario VT looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by forward Lucio Castellani (196-1994) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists and swingman Manuel Gomez (-1996) supported him with 16 points, 8 assists and 4 steals. Even 19 points and 9 rebounds by Canadian power forward Emanual Shepherd (203-1995, college: Southern) did not help to save the game for Pergamino. Forward Juan Martin Bello (200-1999) added 13 points and 8 assists for the guests. Centenario VT maintains ninth position with 12-8 record. Pergamino lost twelfth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventeenth place with 21 games lost. Centenario VT will meet at home higher ranked Pico FC (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Pergamino will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Pergamino: E.Shepherd 19+9reb+1ast, J.Martin Bello 13+2reb+8ast, C.Simon 12+1reb, R.Nicolas 8+10reb+3ast, L.Mohnen 6+4reb+1ast, M.Gandoy 6+1reb+1ast
Centenario VT: C.Lucio 18+12reb+6ast, M.Gomez 16+4reb+8ast, C.Jeremias 13+3reb+3ast, R.Gaspar 8+4reb+3ast, C.Farid 6+7reb+1ast, Z.Laureano 6+7reb+1ast

Rocamora - El Talar 79-78

There was a small surprise when fifteenth ranked Rocamora (8-13) edged at home their close opponent El Talar (7-15) 79-78 on Thursday. The winners were led by forward Franco Maeso (197-2000) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and Venezuelan Gendry Correa (190-1996) supported him with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds by forward Facundo Sanz (197-1996, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for El Talar. Conrado Solana added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Rocamora moved-up to thirteenth place. El Talar lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth position with 15 games lost. Rocamora will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. El Talar will play against La Union (#3) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
El Talar: F.Sanz 23+12reb+1ast, M.Cueva 19+3reb+2ast, S.Conrado 13+8reb+8ast, A.Pablo 7+2reb+1ast, L.Facundo 7+4reb+4ast, E.Ruiz 6+4reb
Rocamora: C.Gendry 22+5reb+4ast, F.Maeso 20+10reb+1ast, F.Juan 10+4reb+1ast, M.Acevedo 9+2reb, A.Carnovale 8+7reb+2ast, T.Losada 7+5reb+2ast

San Isidro - Rivadavia 85-62

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked San Isidro as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Amancay) loss. San Isidro smashed 11th ranked Rivadavia in San Francisco 85-62. San Isidro players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Luciano Ortiz (199-1999) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 9 rebounds and American Chris Hooper (198-1991, college: SFC) who added 17 points during the contest. Four San Isidro players scored in double figures. American-Colombian Simon Hunt-Ramirez (201-1998, college: Sonoma St.) responded with 15 points and 4 assists and swingman Febo Capponi (191-1994) scored 11 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Barrio Parque. Rivadavia lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Independiente. Rivadavia will play next round against Jujuy trying to get back on the winning streak. San Isidro will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Top scorers:
Rivadavia: H.Simon 15+4reb+4ast, C.Febo 11+3reb+1ast, Z.Garrett 10+1reb, E.Bernal 9+5reb+1ast, T.Cravero 6+4reb+1ast, L.Francisco 6+3reb+2ast
San Isidro: L.Ortiz 17+9reb, H.Chris 17+4reb+1ast, S.Jeronimo 15+2reb+3ast, M.Lautaro 12+5reb, D.Jeremias 8+2reb+1ast, S.Marcos 5+2ast

U.Mar del Plata - Dep Viedma 88-71

There was an upset when higher ranked Dep Viedma (13-10) lost on the road to thirteenth ranked U.Mar del Plata (9-15) 88-71 on Friday. U.Mar del Plata forced 24 Dep Viedma turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by Juan Bellozas (195-1993) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds and forward Matias Carneglia (200-2002) supported him with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Four U.Mar del Plata players scored in double figures. Even 12 points and 7 assists by point guard Nicolas Paletta (179-1987) did not help to save the game for Dep Viedma. Venezuelan center Keiver Marcano (205-2003) added 10 points and 9 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. U.Mar del Plata moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Riojana. Loser Dep Viedma dropped to the seventh position with ten games lost. They share it with Lanus. U.Mar del Plata will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Dep Viedma will play against Quilmes (#6) in Mar del Plata and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Dep Viedma: P.Nicolas 12+1reb+7ast, B.Ossela 12+4reb+2ast, K.Marcano 10+9reb, L.Fernandez 9+3reb+1ast, L.Nicolas 6+3reb, G.Lucas 5+4reb
U.Mar del Plata: M.Carneglia 17+8reb+1ast, Y.Alvaro 16+5reb+4ast, J.Bellozas 14+14reb+3ast, M.Macrini 12+5reb+1ast, T.Flossi 10+2reb+1ast, M.Montoya 9+4ast

Hindu - Santa Paula 72-77

Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked Santa Paula (15-8) defeated 13th ranked Hindu (9-13) in Cordoba 77-72 on Friday. The winners were led by Camilo Gomez who had that evening a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and Ecuadorian forward Joseph Caicedo (196-2004) supported him with 21 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Four Santa Paula players scored in double figures. Santa Paula's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 26 points and 8 rebounds by Carlos Buemo (194-1996) did not help to save the game for Hindu. point guard Santiago Bruno (180) added 16 points for the hosts. Santa Paula maintains fourth position with 15-8 record. Loser Hindu keeps the thirteenth place with 13 games lost. Santa Paula will meet league's second-placed Barrio Parque in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Hindu will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hindu: C.Buemo 26+8reb+2ast, B.Santiago 16+3reb+2ast, R.Rattero 9+5reb, A.Bruera 7+3reb+1ast, M.Pikaluk 4+4reb+1ast, T.Luduena 4+6reb+2ast
Santa Paula: C.Joseph 21+4reb, G.Balbo 17+1reb+1ast, C.Gomez 13+11reb+5ast, J.Diaz 10+7reb+3ast, L.Delucchi 5+5reb+1ast, A.Barbieri 4+5reb

Independiente - Caroya 81-83

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 11th ranked Independiente's (10-15) home loss to tenth ranked Caroya (12-12) in Santiago del Estero 81-83 on Friday. Caroya made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American forward Maurice Walton (206-1998, college: BENUM) who scored that evening 20 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and point guard Agustin Jure (182-1991) supported him with 14 points. Caroya's coach used entire bench in such tough game. Even a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds by point guard Guillermo Aliende (178-1997) did not help to save the game for Independiente. Matias Morera (191-1999) added 19 points for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Caroya maintains tenth position with 12-12 record. Loser Independiente keeps the eleventh place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Rivadavia. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Independiente: M.Morera 19+4reb, K.Julien 18+2reb+1ast, A.Guillermo 13+10reb+3ast, M.Martinez 11+6reb+2ast, C.Amicucci 9+2reb+2ast, F.Rivero 8+3reb
Caroya: W.Maurice 20+4reb+3ast, A.Jure 14+3reb+3ast, T.Ramallo 10+1reb+2ast, I.Segura 10+5reb, L.Tomas 8+5reb+3ast, F.Juan 6+5reb+2ast

Suardi - Amancay 90-81

Eighth defeat of league's leader Amancay (16-8) against ninth ranked Suardi (12-11) 90-81 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Amancay. Pablo Martinez (197-1982) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Santiago Calderon (190) contributed with 26 points for the winners. Suardi's coach Andres Poi used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Diego Peralta (195-1994) replied with 14 points and 7 rebounds and Fabricio Peralta added 13 points and 4 assists in the effort for Amancay. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Suardi have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain ninth position with 12-11 record, which they share with Racing A. Amancay at the other side dropped to the third place with eight games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Provincial. Amancay will play next round against Colon trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Suardi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Top scorers:
Amancay: P.Diego 14+7reb+2ast, P.Osores 13+4reb+2ast, F.Peralta 13+4reb+4ast, C.Echevarria 12+4reb+1ast, G.Alonso 9+6reb+3ast, B.Matias 8+7reb+1ast
Suardi: C.Santiago 26+3reb+1ast, P.Martinez 20+10reb+3ast, S.Braida 12+3reb+1ast, H.Rigada 12+10reb+2ast, V.Milton 9+3reb+3ast, G.Fino 4+2reb+1ast