LNB2 Round 9: Municipal C. edge Liceo Curico by one point

Matias Villagran

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Liceo Curico (2-5) to third ranked Municipal C. (4-4) 67-66 on Saturday evening. The best player for the winners was center Matias Villagran (199-1988) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds. Forward Diego Fuentes (-1993) chipped in 3 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Municipal C.'s coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Venezuelan Keinder Albarran who recorded 24 points and 4 assists. Municipal C. maintains third place with 4-4 record despite having the same number of points like the leader Liceo PN, which they share with Stadio Italiano. Liceo Curico at the other side keeps the fifth position with five games lost. Municipal C.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in to the arena .
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Santiago: Sergio Ceppi (#2) and Stadio Italiano (#3). Stadio Italiano was defeated at home 72-76 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. It was a good game for Camilo Figueroa (-1995) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Boris Guerra contributed with 22 points and 6 steals for the winners. Forward Vicente Schulz (-2002) answered with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds for Stadio Italiano. Stadio Italiano's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sergio Ceppi (6-2) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place having just two point less than leader Liceo PN, which they share with Colo Colo. Stadio Italiano at the other side keeps the third position with four games lost. They share it with Municipal C.. Sergio Ceppi will play against league's leader Sportiva Italiana in Valparaiso in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Stadio Italiano will play on the road against Arabe de Valp. in Valparaiso and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Temuco. Leader Liceo PN faced second-best Colo Colo. Host Liceo PN (8-0) defeated guests from Santiago (6-2) 87-74. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Colo Colo. Franco Morales stepped up with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 assists for the winners. Liceo PN's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was Martin Gomez with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Liceo PN. They maintain first place with 8-0 record. Loser Colo Colo keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with Sergio Ceppi. Liceo PN will meet Aleman (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Colo Colo will play against Truenos (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 9 Aleman were defeated by Tomas L. in San Fernando 69-63. Brisas was smashed by Arabe de Valp. at home 45-72.