FIBA Americas League - Strong start propels Peñarol to victory over Libertad

DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas League) - With a home-court advantage and ferocious rebounding, Peñarol are always going to be tough to beat.

Libertad were reminded of that on Wednesday on the second day of Group D play in the FIBA Americas League as Peñarol prevailed 69-64 for their second win.

The team from Mar del Plata, led by Argentina national team coach Sergio Hernandez, went on an 11-0 run midway through the second quarter to lead 39-28 at half-time.

At the break, they had grabbed 21 rebounds - seven on the offensive glass - to just 11 overall for the visitors.

Libertad, behind the strong play of Sebastian Ginobili and Robert Battle, remained within striking distance and managed to claw their way back to 63-59 inside the final minute.

They would end up doing a much better job on the boards and were outrebounded 30-29 in the game.

But Peñarol held their nerve at the free throw line, with Jason Osborne and Quincy Wadley steering the side home from the charity stripe.

Wadley scored a game-high 22 points for Peñarol, who face Universo/BRB in their last game while Sunchales side Libertad got 16 points apiece from Ginobili and Battle.

They will take on Liceo (0-2).

FIBA