In a pulsating encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, CD Puerto Varas edged out archrivals Ancud 75–74 in a Chile Liga Nacional Basketball thriller on Tuesday night. The narrow one-point victory at home not only extended Puerto Varas’ winning streak but also tightened the already fierce race for playoff positioning in the southern conference.

Match Overview

Played on May 12, 2026, at the high-altitude Gimnasio Municipal de Puerto Varas, the game lived up to its billing as a classic Clásico del Sur. Both teams entered the contest with nearly identical records, and the intensity from tip‑off reflected the stakes. Puerto Varas started strong, building a 10‑point lead in the second quarter, but Ancud staged a gritty comeback behind their veteran backcourt to tie the game at 70–70 with under two minutes remaining.

Key Moments

• Third‑quarter surge: Ancud’s defense forced five turnovers in the third period, turning a 48–40 deficit into a 55–53 lead with a 15‑5 run.
• Clutch free‑throw shooting: With the score tied 73–73 and 12 seconds left, Puerto Varas guard Matías Rojas drove into the lane, drew a foul, and calmly sank both free throws for a 76–73 advantage.
• Last‑second desperation: Ancud’s Luis Cárdenas nailed a three‑pointer as time expired, but replays showed his foot was on the line, making it a two‑pointer and leaving the final score 75–74.

Tactical Story

Puerto Varas relied on a disciplined half‑court offense and a strong inside game led by forward Carlos Sepúlveda, who finished with a double‑double (22 points, 12 rebounds). Ancud, conversely, pushed the tempo and attempted 30 three‑pointers, hitting 11. The visitors’ perimeter shooting kept them in the game, but their inability to secure defensive rebounds in the final minute proved costly. Puerto Varas grabbed three offensive boards on the decisive possession, extending the clock and forcing Ancud to foul.

Standout Performers

• Matías Rojas (PV): 18 points, 6 assists, and the game‑winning free throws. His composure under pressure was exemplary.
• Carlos Sepúlveda (PV): Dominated the paint with 22 points and 12 rebounds, including 5 on the offensive glass.
• Luis Cárdenas (Ancud): A game‑high 24 points, but his last‑second shot was ruled a two‑pointer.

Impact on the Standings

The victory lifted CD Puerto Varas to a 16–9 record, keeping them firmly in third place in the Liga Nacional’s Group Sur, just one game behind second‑place Municipal Chillán. Ancud dropped to 15–10, tied for fourth with CD Valdivia. With only five regular‑season games remaining, every result is magnified, and Puerto Varas’ ability to win close contests could be a decisive factor heading into the playoffs.

For fans of Chilean basketball, this match reinforced why the Liga Nacional remains one of the most competitive and unpredictable leagues in South America. Puerto Varas will next travel to Osorno, while Ancud returns home to host CD Puerto Montt, both games carrying heavy playoff implications.