Libobasquet Round 15: Carl A-Z defeat Pichincha

Diego Romero

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Pichincha (8-3) in Oruro on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by fifth ranked Carl A-Z (6-6) 88-66. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Pichincha. Carl A-Z made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. It was a good game for Argentinian center Diego Romero (206-1982, college: FSU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 23 rebounds and 9 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Guard Mauricio Tola (184-1992) contributed with 21 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Carl A-Z's coach Marcelo Mendieta felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international swingman Rene Calvo (193-1993) answered with 15 points and 8 rebounds for Pichincha. Carl A-Z maintains fifth place with 6-6 record. Defending champion Pichincha still keeps top position with three games lost. They share it with Atletico Nacional. Carl A-Z are again looking forward to face league's leader Pichincha at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Pichincha will play against Leones and is hoping to win this game.
The game in Potosi was also worth to mention about. 6th ranked CAN Oruro (5-7) played at the court of eighth ranked Calero (5-6). Calero defeated CAN Oruro 68-58. It was a great evening for Argentinian power forward Juan Cruz Oberto (200-1997) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds. Agustin Carreon helped adding 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Albert Flores (191-1991) with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds. Calero moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Saracho. CAN Oruro lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with seven games lost. Calero will again play against CAN Oruro (#8) at home in the next round. CAN Oruro will play against Univ.Sucre and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Oruro supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Atletico Nacional (8-3) played at the court of 6th ranked CAN Oruro (5-7). Atletico Nacional smashed CAN Oruro 83-59 on Thursday. It was an exceptional evening for Cristhian Camargo who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists. Deondre Wade came up with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 18 rebounds for CAN Oruro 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. Atletico Nacional have a solid series of four victories in a row. They used an opportunity after Pichincha lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. CAN Oruro lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth place with seven games lost. Atletico Nacional will meet San Simon (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. CAN Oruro will play against Calero (#6) in Potosi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 15 Carl A-Z was beaten by San Simon on the road 88-78.
The most impressive performance of 15th round was 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists by Pedro Gutierrez of San Simon.