Malvin unbeaten, Boca edge Argentino de Junin

BUENOS AIRES (Liga Sudamericana) - All four teams are still in the hunt for a spot in the Liga Sudamericana Final Four after Day 2 of the Semi-Final Round in Argentina.

Uruguayans Malvin remained undefeated in this season’s competition with an 84-73 win over Winner Limeira to take over sole possession of first place in Group E and then Boca Juniors prevailed in a 78-76 thriller against Argentino de Junin.

The third and decisive night of action will be on Friday in the Temple of Rock when Winner Limeira take on Argentino de Junin and Boca Juniors square off against Malvin.

Last year, Aguada flew the flag high for Uruguay with a memorable run to the Final before falling to Uniceub of Brasilia.

Now Montevideo outfit Malvin, who got 27 points from their captain and Uruguay international Fernando Martinez, are looking to become the first team from the country to win the Liga Sudamericana.

After a convincing triumph on opening night against Argentino, Malvin trailed Limeira 19-13 at the end of the first quarter but then turned on the style and outscored their opponents from Brazil, 25-10, for a 38-29 advantage.

Pablo Lopez’s side extended the advantage in the third quarter, pouring in 27 points to take a 65-49 lead to the last frame.

Deryk Ramos hit a couple of three-pointers for Limeira early in the fourth quarter to spark a 10-2 run and give the Brazilians hope. 

A pair of Mineiro De Souza free-throws trimmed Malvin’s lead to 73-69 with 2:18 to play, only for Nicolas Mazzarino to reply with shot from the arc to stem the tide and put Malvin back on top, 76-69.

They held on for an 11-point triumph.

Limeira are not at full strength become Dominican Republic international Ronald Ramon was unable to secure a visa in time to play in Group E.

The second game in Group E began as if Boca would storm to a convincing victory.

They opened up a 24-11 advantage by the end of the opening quarter yet Argentino struck back with a vengeance and closed the gap to 37-35 in the last minute of the first half after a basket by Ignacio Alessio.

In the second half, the lead went back and forth but Boca went in front to stay with 1:56 remaining when Axel Weigand connected from long range for a 72-71 lead.

Lucas Faggiano followed with a three-ball and Boca ended up claiming a two-point triumph.

Isaac Sosa, a standout with Puerto Rico’s youth teams, including at the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship, was electrifying for the winners.

He connected on five of 11 attempts from long range and finished with a game-high 26 points.

Franco Balbi (22pts) and Alessio (21) led Argentino.

FIBA