CORDOBA (Argentina) – Behind a raucous crowd that picked them up when they needed it the most, Instituto survived CDC Leones down the stretch to win 77-68 Monday night at Estadio Angel Sandrin. The home squad was on the verge of squandering the double-digit lead they nursed throughout most of the second half but found enough poise to put it away in the final moments.
Turning point
Instituto led by 13 at halftime and by 12 at the end of the third quarter, with a maximum lead of 17 points. However, Leones clawed their way back in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 2 points (67-69) with 2:07 to go in regulation. But Nicola Pomoli answered with a layup of his own and then, after a good defensive sequence, Tomás Monacchi stuck the dagger with a midrange jumper from the wing. Leandro Vildoza then proceeded to ice it with 4 consecutive free throws.
Player of the game
Pomoli (18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists) and team captain Vildoza (18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals) led the way for Instituto.
Alex Negrete shot 3-for-6 from downtown for 13 points and added 7 rebounds for the winning side. Anyeuri Castillo produced a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double with 3 blocks for Leones. Jerry Evans Jr. also scored 16, while Gabriel Belardo added 15 on 3-for-7 from long distance.
Stats don’t lie
Instituto had 20 assists on 26 made baskets and did a lot of damage in transition, winning fast break points 26-13. They also showed superior strength inside with a 30-18 edge in points in the paint.
Bottom line
The victory allowed Instituto to improve to 1-1 in Group D at the end of the first stage. CDC Leones (0-2) now sits at the bottom of the standings but left a much better image than in their loss to Sesi Franca.
FIBA