ARG - Rampant Libertad go second

SUNCHALES (Liga Nacional) - Libertad destroyed Deportivo Madryn 102-65 in round 25 of the Liga Nacional`s second stage to reach second place in the standings.

The hosts went 25-14 up in the first quarter and never looked back, with a 30-18 run in the third sealing Deportivo`s fate.

Cleotis Brown poured in 29 points for the winners, while Robert Battle grabbed 11 rebounds.

Now, the Sunchales-based team are level in second place with Quilmes, who lost 111-100 to lowly Central Enterriano, as they battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

Leaders Penarol, who have already qualified, beat QUIMSA 94-75, while Gustavo Orona`s 29 points helped fourth-placed Boca Juniors see off Regatas 99-89.

At the other end, rock-bottom Belgrano got over the departure of coach Mario Guzman with a 97-87 win over struggling Obras Sanitarias, with Maximiliano Riolfo claiming 23 points and eight rebounds.

Elsewhere, Ciclista Juniense beat Juventud Sionista 86-76, Atenas claimed a 74-64 win at Estudiantes and Ben Hur edged out Gimnasia 75-73 in the final quarter.

Sergio Ferraro
FIBA