ARG - Boca, Libertad set for midweek showdown

BUENOS AIRES (Liga Nacional) - Boca Juniors recorded a 75-63 victory against Libertad on Sunday to take their Argentinian Liga Nacional semi-final to a deciding Game Five on Wednesday.

Boca controlled the tight contest against the Liga Sudamericana winners despite Raymundo Legaria being ruled out through injury, but were forced to wait until the final quarter to ensure victory.

Libertad entertain Boca in Sunchales on Wednesday, with the winners facing Penarol, who defeated Regatas Corrientes 3-1, in the final.

Martin Leiva led Boca with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Robert Battle provided the resistence for Deportivo with 18 points and 19 rebounds.

Boca edged ahead 20-19 at the end of the first quarter and opened up a slender two point cushion at the break following a 18-16 second session.

The gap remained at two points after a 14-14 third quarter before Boca surged ahead to claim the must-win tie with a 23-14 final session surge.

Meanwhile, Independiente from Neuquen have been promoted to top flight after recording a 81-60 win over Atletico Echague in game four of the best-of-five second division TNA championship semi-final tie.

Independiente and El Nacional, who have also secured promotion, will meet in the TNA finals to decide the Second Division champions.

Matias Greco
FIBA