The Paraguay Primera delivered a thrilling encounter on June 12, 2026, as Deportivo San Jose edged out Felix Perez Cardozo with a narrow 93–89 victory at home. The hard-fought win showcased the competitive spirit of Paraguayan basketball and kept San Jose firmly in contention near the top of the league table.

Match Overview

From the opening tip-off, both teams displayed high energy and disciplined offensive sets. Deportivo San Jose capitalized on their home-court advantage, using a fast-paced transition game to build an early lead. However, Felix Perez Cardozo responded with sharp perimeter shooting and tenacious defense, erasing deficits multiple times throughout the contest. The game remained tight until the final minutes, with neither side able to pull away by more than six points.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: San Jose opened with a 12–4 run, powered by aggressive drives to the basket and efficient free-throw shooting. Cardozo responded with a 10–0 spurt late in the quarter to tie the score at 22–22.
• Second Half Battle: After a back-and-forth second quarter, San Jose took a 48–46 lead into halftime. The third period saw Cardozo take their first lead of the game at 65–63, but San Jose quickly regained control with a 7–0 run.
• Clutch Finish: With under two minutes remaining and the score tied at 87–87, San Jose’s veteran guard converted a tough layup and then drew a charge on the defensive end. Two free throws in the final seconds sealed the 93–89 win.

Standout Players

For the home side, Luis Aranda led all scorers with 27 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, while also grabbing 8 rebounds. Point guard Miguel Cáceres orchestrated the offense with 11 assists and added 14 points. For Felix Perez Cardozo, Rodrigo Benítez poured in 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, and Alan Duarte recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Impact on the Standings

The victory improved Deportivo San Jose’s record to 12–5, strengthening their hold on third place in the Paraguay Primera standings. Felix Perez Cardozo dropped to 9–8, slipping to sixth but still very much in playoff contention. With the league’s regular season entering its final stretch, every win carries significant weight, and San Jose’s ability to close out a tight game against a direct rival could prove vital in the race for home-court advantage in the postseason.

What’s Next

Deportivo San Jose will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face Olimpia on June 15, while Felix Perez Cardozo returns home to host Libertad. Both teams will be eager to sharpen their execution in the closing minutes after this closely contested affair.