Argentina LigaA, Gimnasio Indalo hits back in finals

Gimnasio Indalo Rivadavia struck back in the Argentine LigaA title series to register its first victory in the championship run. In grabbing a 76-70 win at home against Quimsa Santiago Del Estro, Gimnasio made it 2-1 in the series and stopped Quimsa from taking a commanding 3-0 lead.

However, the hosts needed overtime to get the job done against a Quimsa team that has arguably been the form club of the Argentine top flight this season. There is now plenty to play for as both teams aim for the championship trophy, which would be Gimnasio Indalo’s third title, while Quimsa is still on track for its maiden Argentine LigaA crown.

Gimnasio Indalo started with just seven players, coach Gonzalo Garcia with limited options from the bench. It was important the two players on the side contributed and they did just that, especially Santiago Scala with 11 points.

With a 2-0 lead, Quimsa started the game with all the momentum and it showed in the first quarter as the guests paced to a 9-14 lead at the first split. In the second frame Gimnasio hit back and put together a 14-10 run of their own to make it a one point game through the long break, the scoreboard reading 23-24. The hosts picked up where they left off in the first half and drained 25 points during the third period, while holding Quimsa to 17 points. It was enough to give the home team a solid 48-41 lead through three quarters. In the final act the visitors rallied and a 15-22 winning stanza was enough to tie proceedings at the end of regulation (63-63). The score didn’t stay locked for long as Gimnasio Indalo edged ahead through overtime and held their advantage for the victory.

Carlos Schattmann was a huge scoring threat for the winners with 32 points, while Sam Clancy offered a double-double of 14 points and 18 rebounds, 16 of the boards coming in the defensive key. Nicolas De Los Santos matched Garcia with 11 points and also offer 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Only two players scored in double figures for Quimsa, Gabriel Deck hit 17 points and pulled 5 off the glass, while Robert Battle doubled up in the losing effort with 14 points and 12 rebounds.