La Liga Argentina Round 52 (Regular Season): Amancay beat Rivadavia by two after a very close game

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.

Thirteenth-ranked Rivadavia (11-18) was very close to win a game against second ranked Amancay (19-8) in La Rioja on Tuesday. Amancay managed to secure only two-point victory 77-75. However their fans expected much easier game. Amancay had a 13-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Pablo Osores (194-1986) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 5 rebounds. Diego Peralta (195-1994) contributed with 15 points for the winners. American power forward Zondrick Garrett (203-2002, college: UWF, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) replied with 17 points and 8 rebounds for Rivadavia. Amancay have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 19-8 record behind leader Provincial. Rivadavia at the other side keeps the thirteenth place with 18 games lost. Amancay are looking forward to face Villa S.Martin (#8) in Resistencia in the next round where they are favorite. Rivadavia will play on the road against Riojana (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Cordoba. Fourth ranked Suardi (19-11) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging one of their biggest challengers Barrio Parque (18-10) 77-76 in the fight for the third place. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Nahuel Fino (188-2000) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 7 rebounds and Pablo Martinez who added 15 points during the contest. At the losing side guard Juan Bejar (186-2001) responded with 24 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Suardi have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Barrio Parque lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with ten games lost. They share it with Lanus. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked La Union (18-9) against eighth ranked Dep Viedma (16-12) on Monday night. Visiting La Union was defeated by Dep Viedma in Rio Negro 88-78. The winners were led by Luciano Caceres who scored that evening 20 points. Dep Viedma's coach Guillermo Bogliacino used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 22 points and 6 rebounds by Gonzalo Romero did not help to save the game for La Union. Dep Viedma maintains eighth position with 16-12 record. Loser La Union keeps the third place with nine games lost. Dep Viedma will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. La Union will play against U.Mar del Plata and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 52 were not that significant. U.Mar del Plata beat Centenario VT on the road 51-36. Estudiantes T. destroyed Santa Paula on its own court 91-65. Salta Basket unfortunately lost to Villa S.Martin in Resistencia 69-73. Rocamora recorded a loss to Provincial at home 73-82. Caroya defeated Hindu on the opponent's court 65-59. Quilmes beat La Union in a home game 85-74. El Talar won against Dep Norte on the road 75-68. Pico FC was outscored by Villa Mitre on its own court 63-86. Lanus managed to beat GELP in Buenos Aires 102-90. Comunicaciones defeated Salta Basket at home 95-88. San Isidro beat Estudiantes T. on the opponent's court 91-86.
The most impressive performance of 52th round was 23 points and 4 assists by Nahuel Buchaillot of San Isidro.



Dep Viedma - La Union 88-78

Very important is a road loss of third ranked La Union (18-9) against eighth ranked Dep Viedma (16-12) on Monday night. Visiting La Union was defeated by Dep Viedma in Rio Negro 88-78. The winners were led by guard Luciano Caceres (180-2001) who scored that evening 20 points and swingman Bernardo Ossela (195-1994) supported him with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Four Dep Viedma players scored in double figures. Dep Viedma's coach Guillermo Bogliacino used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 22 points and 6 rebounds by Bolivian forward Gonzalo Romero (196-1997) did not help to save the game for La Union. point guard Guido Cabrera (188-2000) added 12 points for lost side. Dep Viedma maintains eighth position with 16-12 record. Loser La Union keeps the third place with nine games lost. Dep Viedma will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. La Union will play against U.Mar del Plata and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
La Union: G.Romero 22+6reb, M.Caire 15+2reb+1ast, G.Cabrera 12+4reb+2ast, L.Lucio 9+4reb+2ast, H.Nicolas 9+3reb, E.Ignacio 5+1reb+3ast
Dep Viedma: C.Luciano 20+3reb+3ast, O.Bernardo 13+12reb, N.Paletta 13+3reb+4ast, M.Keiver 10+2reb+4ast, F.Lisandro 9+1reb+3ast, L.Gonzalez 8+6reb

Centenario VT - U.Mar del Plata 36-51

There was a small surprise when thirteenth ranked U.Mar del Plata (11-19) beat on the road 10th ranked Centenario VT (13-12) 51-36 on Monday. The winners were led by Juan Bellozas (195-1993) who scored that evening 11 points and 7 rebounds and Panamanian point guard Guillermo Navarro (181-2003) supported him with 12 points. Even 7 points by forward Lucio Castellani (196-1994) did not help to save the game for Centenario VT. Guard Jeremias Cardona (188-2002) added 7 points for lost side. U.Mar del Plata moved-up to twelfth place. Loser Centenario VT keeps the tenth position with 12 games lost. U.Mar del Plata will meet at home higher ranked La Union (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Centenario VT will play against the league's second-placed C.Entrerriano (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Centenario VT: M.Aristu 8+1reb, L.Castellani 7+3reb+2ast, J.Cardona 7+1reb+1ast, F.Celador 5+3reb, K.Juan 4, J.Juan 2+3reb+1ast
U.Mar del Plata: N.Guillermo 12+1reb+3ast, J.Bellozas 11+7reb+1ast, M.Carneglia 9+2reb, Y.Alvaro 7, M.Macrini 5+1reb+1ast, T.Flossi 4+3reb+3ast

Estudiantes T. - Santa Paula 91-65

There was a minor upset when 5th ranked Santa Paula (16-13) was smashed by eighth ranked Estudiantes T. (14-12) in San Miguel de Tucuman 91-65 on Monday. The winners were led by center Juan Bollo (203-1992) who scored that evening 19 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Elias Cave (201, college: Minot St.) supported him with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Estudiantes T.'s coach Fabrizio Esposito felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 11 points and 6 rebounds by forward Augusto Barbieri (195-2001) did not help to save the game for Santa Paula. Forward Walter Puebla (193) added 10 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Despite that victory Estudiantes T. went down to ninth position due to points difference. Loser Santa Paula keeps the fifth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with Jujuy. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Santa Paula: B.Augusto 11+6reb+3ast, G.Camilo 10+2reb+4ast, P.Walter 10+8reb, G.Balbo 10+4reb+1ast, C.Miguel 9+3reb, J.Caicedo 8+5reb
Estudiantes T.: J.Bollo 19+8reb+2ast, C.Elias 17+7reb+1ast, H.Joe 16+3reb+2ast, P.Federico 13+6reb, J.Rodriguez 7+5reb+6ast, A.Patricio 6+5reb+2ast

Villa S.Martin - Salta Basket 73-69

There was a small surprise when ninth ranked Villa S.Martin (14-11) won against 7th ranked Salta Basket (15-13) in Resistencia 73-69 on Monday. The winners were led by Venezuelan Elian Centeno (200-2000) who scored that evening 14 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and power forward Estefano Simondi (201-1996) supported him with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Villa S.Martin players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 6 rebounds by Wilfredo Alvarez did not help to save the game for Salta Basket. Tomas Botta added 15 points and 4 assists for lost side. Salta Basket's coach Ricardo De Cecco rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Villa S.Martin moved-up to eighth place. Salta Basket lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 13 games lost. Villa S.Martin will meet Riojana (#14) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Salta Basket will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Salta Basket: A.Wilfredo 17+6reb, T.Botta 15+2reb+4ast, C.Hunter 14+5reb, S.Abdala 6+3reb+2ast, B.Abratte 6+1reb+2ast, C.Linares 4+2reb+1ast
Villa S.Martin: C.Elian 14+8reb+1ast, S.Estefano 11+6reb+4ast, V.Favio 11+3reb+2ast, M.Martin 10+6reb+2ast, V.Perez 9+2reb+3ast, F.Lautaro 9+4reb+2ast

Rocamora - Provincial 73-82

Not a big story in a game when 15th ranked Rocamora (8-18) lost at home to first ranked Provincial (21-7) 82-73 on Tuesday. Provincial outrebounded Rocamora 46-35 including 31 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by swingman Alvaro Chervo (193-1999) who scored that evening 21 points and 6 rebounds and Ecuadorian Abraham Barahona (195-2003) supported him with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Four Provincial players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds by forward Maximiliano Acevedo (203-2004) did not help to save the game for Rocamora. Valentino Occhi added 19 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Rocamora's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Provincial maintains first position with 21-7 record. Rocamora lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Colon. Provincial will meet at home El Talar (#14) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Rocamora will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Rocamora: O.Valentino 19+6reb+1ast, G.Correa 18, A.Maximiliano 17+13reb, M.Franco 8+3reb+1ast, S.Pascual 5+1reb+2ast, L.Tomas 4+6reb+2ast
Provincial: A.Chervo 21+6reb+2ast, G.Gaston 19+5reb+2ast, B.Abraham 14+10reb+2ast, A.Matias 10+11reb+5ast, G.Federico 9+3reb+2ast, H.Lopez 4+1reb+1ast

Amancay - Rivadavia 77-75

Thirteenth-ranked Rivadavia (11-18) was very close to win a game against second ranked Amancay (19-8) in La Rioja on Tuesday. Amancay managed to secure only two-point victory 77-75. However their fans expected much easier game. Amancay had a 13-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Pablo Osores (194-1986) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 5 rebounds. Diego Peralta (195-1994) contributed with 15 points for the winners. American power forward Zondrick Garrett (203-2002, college: UWF, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) replied with 17 points and 8 rebounds and American-Colombian Simon Hunt-Ramirez (201-1998, college: Sonoma St.) added 20 points in the effort for Rivadavia. Amancay have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 19-8 record behind leader Provincial. Rivadavia at the other side keeps the thirteenth place with 18 games lost. Amancay are looking forward to face Villa S.Martin (#8) in Resistencia in the next round where they are favorite. Rivadavia will play on the road against Riojana (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rivadavia: H.Simon 20+3reb+2ast, Z.Garrett 17+8reb, E.Bernal 14+6reb+2ast, C.Febo 9+2reb+1ast, M.Perez 7+5reb+4ast, T.Cravero 5+6reb+1ast
Amancay: D.Peralta 15+3reb, P.Fabricio 13+3reb+1ast, O.Pablo 13+5reb+3ast, A.Gonzalo 9+3reb+1ast, M.Bernan 9+4reb+2ast, A.Mauro 8+2reb+2ast

Hindu - Caroya 59-65

Everything went according to plan when tenth ranked Caroya (14-14) defeated 14th ranked Hindu (10-18) in Cordoba 65-59 on Tuesday. The winners were led by point guard Agustin Jure (182-1991) who scored that evening 8 points and 7 rebounds and Ignacio Segura (195-2000) supported him with 7 points and 6 rebounds. Caroya's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 16 points and 6 rebounds by Carlos Buemo (194-1996) did not help to save the game for Hindu. Power forward Santiago Bruera (206-1998, college: FAU, agency: BIG) added 8 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Caroya maintains tenth position with 14-14 record. Loser Hindu dropped to the thirteenth place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Ciclista. Caroya will meet at home Colon (#16) in the next round where they are favorite. Hindu will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hindu: C.Buemo 16+6reb+3ast, J.Folmer 11+2reb+2ast, T.Luduena 11+3reb+3ast, S.Bruera 8+8reb+1ast, R.Rattero 7+7reb, M.Pikaluk 3+4reb
Caroya: F.Juan 10+5reb+1ast, L.Tomas 9+4reb+1ast, W.Maurice 8+6reb+1ast, A.Jure 8+7reb+2ast, I.Segura 7+6reb+3ast, T.Ramallo 6+1reb

Quilmes - La Union 85-74

There was a minor upset when 3rd ranked La Union (18-9) lost to fifth ranked Quilmes (18-11) in Mar del Plata 74-85 on Wednesday. Quilmes looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by Pablo Alderete (203-1993) who scored that evening 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and point guard Federico De Miguel (176-1997, agency: BIG) supported him with 18 points. Quilmes' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 16 points by point guard Guido Cabrera (188-2000) did not help to save the game for La Union. Naturalized Italian point guard Alvaro Merlo (184-1995) added 3 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Quilmes maintains fifth position with 18-11 record. Loser La Union keeps the third place with nine games lost. Quilmes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. La Union will play against U.Mar del Plata and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
La Union: G.Cabrera 16+4reb+3ast, G.Romero 12+6reb+1ast, H.Nicolas 12+2reb+1ast, L.Lucio 11+3reb, S.Valentino 10+3reb, M.Caire 8+4reb+1ast
Quilmes: D.Federico 18+2reb+1ast, A.Pablo 17+6reb+4ast, M.Domine 16+5reb, M.Darry 16+2reb+1ast, N.Juan 7+6reb, R.Joaquin 3+3reb+6ast

Dep Norte - El Talar 68-75

No shocking result in a game when fourteenth ranked El Talar (9-16) beat 16th ranked Dep Norte (6-22) in Armstrong 75-68 on Wednesday. The winners were led by guard Matias Cueva (185-1997) who scored that evening 18 points and 8 rebounds and forward Facundo Sanz (197-1996, agency: BIG) supported him with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Five El Talar players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 5 assists by naturalized Italian guard Sebastian Mignani (185-1990) did not help to save the game for Dep Norte. Celestino Cupulutti (186-1993, agency: BIG) added 10 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Dep Norte's coach Alejandro Cupulutti rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. El Talar maintains fourteenth position with 9-16 record. Loser Dep Norte keeps the sixteenth place with 22 games lost. El Talar will meet league's leader Provincial in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Dep Norte will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Dep Norte: S.Mignani 17+4reb+5ast, C.Cupulutti 10+10reb, L.Marco 9+5reb+1ast, M.Alonso 8+5reb+1ast, S.Juan Cruz 7+6reb+1ast, C.Federico 7+1ast
El Talar: C.Matias 18+8reb+3ast, R.Enzo 11+6reb, C.Solana 10+3reb+7ast, P.Aaron 10+1reb, S.Facundo 10+9reb+2ast, F.Lopez 6+2ast

Pico FC - Villa Mitre 63-86

There was an upset when higher ranked Pico FC (16-10) was smashed by eleventh ranked Villa Mitre (13-15) in General Pico 86-63 on Wednesday. The winners were led by power forward Franco Pennacchiotti (205-1990) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and Manuel Iglesias supported him with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Four Villa Mitre players scored in double figures. Villa Mitre's coach felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 6 points and 12 rebounds by Felipe Bonfigli (198) did not help to save the game for Pico FC. Forward Rodrigo Sanchez (200-1989) added 10 points for lost side. Villa Mitre maintains eleventh position with 13-15 record. Loser Pico FC keeps the sixth place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Pico FC: J.Rodriguez 13+2ast, V.Allier 11+3reb+2ast, R.Sanchez 10+4reb+2ast, L.Mainoldi 7+1reb, B.Felipe 6+12reb+1ast, B.Agustin 6+7reb
Villa Mitre: F.Pennacchiotti 20+10reb+3ast, I.Manuel 14+5reb, A.Ignacio 14+3reb, H.Federico 13+3reb+2ast, A.Blanco 9+2reb+1ast, L.Julian 6+2reb

GELP - Lanus 90-102

Rather predictable result when fourth ranked Lanus (18-10) won against 7th ranked GELP (16-11) in La Plata 102-90 on Wednesday. Lanus made 18-of-20 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 GELP turnovers and outrebounded them 34-23 including 20 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American center Roquez Johnson (201-1992, college: MSU, agency: BIG) who scored that evening 18 points and 9 rebounds and forward Alejo Sacchi (196-2003) supported him with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds by Cuban Joan Gutierrez (192-2003) did not help to save the game for GELP. Agustin Vergara (200-2001) added 18 points for lost side. Five Lanus and four GELP players scored in double figures. Lanus have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 18-10 record, which they share with Barrio Parque. GELP lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
GELP: A.Vergara 18+3reb+1ast, E.Paz 18+3reb+1ast, R.Pelorosso 16+3reb+2ast, G.Joan 11+11reb+1ast, P.Pedro 9+4ast, J.Boffelli 8+1reb+2ast
Lanus: W.Robert 19+2reb+3ast, H.Michael 18+4reb+1ast, J.Roquez 18+9reb+1ast, A.Sacchi 17+5reb+3ast, P.Tiziano 12+1reb+1ast, N.Joaquin 12+6reb+4ast

Comunicaciones - Salta Basket 95-88

There was an upset when higher ranked Salta Basket (15-13) lost to twelfth ranked Comunicaciones (12-14) in Mercedes 88-95 on Wednesday. The winners were led by point guard Tomas Allende (190-2002) who scored that evening 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and Spanish-Venezuelan swingman Franger Pirela (187-2002) supported him with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Even 17 points and 9 rebounds by Wilfredo Alvarez did not help to save the game for Salta Basket. American Chance Hunter (198-1998, college: Cal Poly) added 17 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Salta Basket's coach Ricardo De Cecco rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Comunicaciones moved-up to eleventh place. Salta Basket lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Salta Basket: A.Wilfredo 17+9reb, S.Abdala 17+2reb, C.Hunter 17+6reb, T.Botta 16+4reb+3ast, B.Abratte 6+3reb+1ast, A.Facundo 5+6reb
Comunicaciones: A.Tomas 22+7reb+1ast, P.Franger 18+5reb+6ast, M.Lucas 14+1reb+5ast, F.Franco 14+6reb, B.Agustin 9+1reb+2ast, B.Raymon 6+7reb

Barrio Parque - Suardi 76-77

Important game to mention about took place in Cordoba. Fourth ranked Suardi (19-11) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging one of their biggest challengers Barrio Parque (18-10) 77-76 in the fight for the third place. Suardi outrebounded Barrio Parque 39-28 including 31 on the defensive glass. Barrio Parque was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Nahuel Fino (188-2000) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 7 rebounds and Pablo Martinez (197-1982) who added 15 points during the contest. Four Suardi players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Juan Bejar (186-2001) responded with 24 points and swingman Lautaro Rivata (190-1987) scored 12 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Suardi have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Barrio Parque lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with ten games lost. They share it with Lanus. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Barrio Parque: J.Bejar 24+2reb+1ast, R.Lautaro 12+4reb+1ast, G.Bertona 12+2reb+3ast, V.Tomas 7+1ast, H.Benjamin 6+4reb+3ast, S.Santino 4+4reb+1ast
Suardi: N.Fino 16+7reb, P.Martinez 15+4reb, C.Santiago 11+2reb+2ast, L.Luciano 10+6reb+1ast, S.Braida 8+3reb+1ast, K.Mirko 6+4reb

Estudiantes T. - San Isidro 86-91

Everything went according to plan when first ranked San Isidro (20-7) defeated 8th ranked Estudiantes T. (14-12) in San Miguel de Tucuman 91-86 on Wednesday. The winners were led by point guard Nahuel Buchaillot (178-2000) who scored that evening 23 points and 4 assists and Luciano Ortiz (199-1999) supported him with 15 points. Even 21 points and 6 rebounds by American forward Joe Hampton (203-1998, college: LBSU) did not help to save the game for Estudiantes T.. Forward Patricio Aranda (197-1989) added 17 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Estudiantes T.'s coach Fabrizio Esposito rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. San Isidro have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-7 record, which they share with C.Entrerriano. Loser Estudiantes T. dropped to the ninth place with 12 games lost. San Isidro will meet Jujuy (#5) in the next round. Estudiantes T. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Estudiantes T.: J.Hampton 21+6reb+2ast, P.Aranda 17+6reb, E.Cave 13+6reb, R.Juan 13+1reb+7ast, F.Pedano 12+5reb, B.Juan 10+7reb+2ast
San Isidro: B.Nahuel 23+2reb+4ast, L.Ortiz 15+4reb+1ast, S.Jeronimo 13+4reb, H.Chris 12+3reb, M.Lambrisca 11+3reb+1ast, D.Jeremias 9+4reb