Date: April 28, 2026 | Venue: Estadio Obras Sanitarias, Buenos Aires

In a high-scoring, back-and-forth battle at the historic Estadio Obras Sanitarias, Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires outlasted Instituto de Cordoba 95-89 in an Argentinian Liga Nacional de Básquetbol thriller. The home side used a dominant fourth-quarter run and clutch free-throw shooting to secure a vital victory in front of a raucous home crowd.

Match Overview

Both teams came out firing from the opening tip, with offense flowing freely from beyond the arc and in transition. Instituto, known for their disciplined system, controlled the game's tempo for long stretches in the first half, building a lead that reached nine points late in the second quarter. However, Obras responded with a 10-2 run to close the half, cutting the deficit to just one point at 49-48. The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Instituto maintaining a slim edge thanks to efficient shooting and strong rebounding.

The turning point came early in the fourth quarter. Obras tightened their defense, forcing three turnovers in the first four minutes, and converted them into fast-break points. A 13-0 run flipped the scoreboard and gave Obras a lead they would never relinquish.

Key Moments

• Second-half defensive adjustment: Obras switched to a zone defense early in the fourth quarter, disrupting Instituto's rhythm and forcing them into contested jump shots.
• 13-0 fourth-quarter run: A combination of steals, offensive rebounds, and a pair of three-pointers from Obras' starting guard turned a 74-71 deficit into an 84-74 lead with 5:30 remaining.
• Free-throw composure: Obras went 12-for-14 from the line in the final three minutes, maintaining a two-possession lead and preventing Instituto from mounting a late comeback.
• Last-minute scramble: Instituto cut the lead to four with 45 seconds left, but Obras' defense forced a difficult turnaround jumper that missed, sealing the result.

Tactical Story

Obras Sanitarias found success by attacking the paint early, drawing fouls and creating kick-out opportunities for their shooters. Their ball movement was particularly effective in the second half, as they recorded 21 assists overall. Defensively, switching to a 2-3 zone in the fourth quarter proved decisive, as it limited Instituto's ability to drive and forced them into a heavy reliance on perimeter shots, which fell at a lower percentage under pressure. Instituto, by contrast, excelled in the pick-and-roll game throughout, but their turnover issues in clutch time undermined their otherwise solid performance.

Standout Performers

• Obras point guard: Finished with 24 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the offense brilliantly. His ability to penetrate and find open teammates was the engine of Obras' attack.
• Instituto forward: Led all scorers with 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting and pulled down 9 rebounds. He kept Instituto in the game during the third quarter with a series of step-back jumpers.
• Obras center: Registered a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, including 6 offensive boards that generated crucial second-chance points. His presence in the paint was a major factor in the fourth-quarter defensive turnaround.

Standings and Season Impact

The victory improved Obras Sanitarias' record to 20-10, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a top-two finish in the Liga Nacional standings and the associated playoff advantages. For Instituto de Cordoba, the loss dropped them to 18-12, but they remain well-positioned in the playoff picture. Both teams are considered serious contenders for the championship, and this result adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a fiercely competitive postseason race.

Post-match: Obras head coach highlighted his team's resilience and the importance of the defensive adjustment, while Instituto's coach lamented unforced turnovers in the fourth quarter, calling them "the difference between a win and a loss at this level."