In a thrilling encounter in the Argentina Liga B, Olimpia Venado Tuerto secured a hard-fought 78–72 victory over Club 3 de Febrero on July 6, 2026. The match, played at 3 de Febrero’s home venue, showcased intense defensive battles and clutch shooting in the final quarter, with the visitors pulling away late to claim a crucial road win.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the contest with playoff aspirations in the competitive second division of Argentine basketball. Olimpia Venado Tuerto improved their record with this win, while 3 de Febrero will rue missed opportunities in a game that remained close throughout. The final score of 72–78 reflects a balanced affair until the decisive moments in the fourth period.

Key Moments

• First half: Club 3 de Febrero started strong, taking an early lead behind aggressive drives to the basket and efficient outside shooting. However, Olimpia Venado Tuerto's defense tightened in the second quarter, allowing them to trail by only four points at halftime.
• Third quarter: The visitors came out with renewed energy. A 10–2 run early in the third gave Olimpia its first lead of the game, but 3 de Febrero responded with a timely three-point barrage to keep the score tied at 54–54 heading into the final frame.
• Fourth quarter collapse: With the game knotted at 64–64 with five minutes left, Olimpia Venado Tuerto’s veteran guard took control, scoring 8 points and assisting on two key baskets. 3 de Febrero struggled to find clean looks against a stifling zone defense, and a late turnover sealed the outcome.

Standout Players

For Olimpia Venado Tuerto, the backcourt duo combined for 38 points, with Facundo Rivero leading all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 4 three-pointers. Forward Lucas Méndez added 16 points and 10 rebounds, providing a double-double that helped control the paint.

Club 3 de Febrero was led by Matías Soria, who poured in 19 points and dished out 5 assists, but received limited support from his supporting cast. The team shot only 42% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc, numbers that proved insufficient against a disciplined Olimpia defense.

Tactical Story

Olimpia Venado Tuerto’s success was built on their ability to force 3 de Febrero into difficult mid-range jumpers and contest every shot. After allowing 38 points in the first half, they adjusted their pick-and-roll coverage in the second half, limiting easy baskets near the rim. Offensively, they exploited mismatches by isolating their big men against smaller defenders.

League Context

This result keeps Olimpia Venado Tuerto in the top half of the Argentina Liga B standings, strengthening their case for a playoff berth. Club 3 de Febrero, meanwhile, falls to .500 and will need to regroup quickly as the season enters its critical stretch. The Liga B, known for its physical play and passionate fanbases, continues to produce close contests like this one, highlighting the depth of Argentine basketball beyond the top flight.

With both teams set to face different opponents in their next fixtures, this road victory could prove pivotal for Olimpia Venado Tuerto’s momentum, while 3 de Febrero must find answers to their late‑game execution issues.