Instituto did not have a final and lost at the Ángel Sandrin with San Martín de Corrientes by 71-70. The defeat did not allow Lucas Victoriano’s team to advance to the quarterfinals of the National League.
The Alta Córdoba team led by one with less than one possession, but Leandro Vildoza, their best player in the Córdoba morning, lost a ball at the start, which Gastón García took advantage of to give the Corrientes the advantage. And the captain couldn’t score on the last play and Glory was left with nothing at home.
Instituto has two games left, both at home, to get among the four that qualify directly for the quarterfinals. And they have to recover the best of their collective game for the most important stage of the season, the playoffs.
The Institute party
The Institute started well behind the Institute, without letting the visitor come into play. He also patiently moved the ball in the attack and found Javier Saiz as a valid first option to take the lead 12-8
San Martín stayed close from the free throw line, with Gloria winning the initial segment 20-15.
The people of Corrientes grew in the second period. The Córdoba point guard Manu Buendía gave them greater dynamics against an Albirrojo that weakened in defense. And he lost presence in the attack.
The Ecuadorian giant Brian Carabali had a greater presence in the painted area and closed it with a couple of conversations from Gastón García to take the chapter 39-33.
Instituto opened the third quarter with an 11-2 run to regain control 42-41.
The segment became even, highly contested, with some losses. Instituto had a more individual than collective game, taking the fourth 53-52.
San Martín started the final episode at the Sandrin more clearly in attack and scored 6: 62-56. He forced Instituto to play more aggressively on both sides, led by captain Leandro Vildoza, and responded with an 8-0 run to lead 64-62 with four left.
The closing was with clenched teeth, with low goals like the entire game. García stole the ball from Vildoza at the start, scored and San Martín went on to win 71-70 with 19 seconds left. And he couldn’t score on the last play and was left with nothing.
