FIBA Americas league – Olympic hero Montecchia leads Regatas past Peñarol

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas League) – Alejandro Montecchia wowed audiences in Athens with his long-range shooting to help fire Argentina to an Olympic gold medal in 2004.

After tearing his Achilles tendon while playing in Italy in 2006 and going home to South America, Montecchia beat the odds by returning to the professional game earlier this year and on Wednesday the veteran showed he is well and truly back with game-winning plays against Peñarol in the FIBA Americas League.

In the final seconds of the Group B game, Montecchia, 38, scored the go-ahead basket and then came up with a victory-clinching steal as Regatas upset their Argentina rivals and defending FIBA Americas League champions 71-67.

Regatas led 33-26 at half-time but Peñarol hit back and David Jackson’s three-pointer put them in front at 52-46 heading into the final frame.

Montecchia and Co didn’t lose heart, though, and ended up winning to leave both sides with 1-1 records.

Regatas were 18 of 43 (42%) inside the arc and just four of 18 (22%) beyond it, while Peñarol, the side coached by Argentina national team boss Sergio Hernández, had most of their success from long range.

They nailed 13 of 30 (43%) from behind the three-point line and were just seven of 29 from two-point range.

Fernando Malara was particularly effective for Peñarol, drilling three of four (75%) from long range while Jackson was three of six (50%) and finished with 11 points.

Damian Tintorelli scored 21 points for Regatas, who bounced back from Tuesday’s narrow setback to Biguá.

Biguá are in pole position at 2-0 following a 76-54 triumph over Universidad de Concepcion.

The Uruguayan giants led from start to finish. They streaked out to a 9-2 lead and were in command at 43-18 by half-time.

Joaquin Osimani led a balanced scoring attack for Biguá with 11 points.

FIBA