Paraguay Primera: Felix Perez Cardozo Edges Deportivo San Jose in 95-92 Thriller

The Paraguay Primera served up a high‑scoring classic on June 23, 2026, as Felix Perez Cardozo held off a furious Deportivo San Jose rally to win 95-92. The contest featured 10 lead changes and saw both teams trade baskets deep into the fourth quarter before home‑court advantage proved decisive.

Match Overview

From the opening buzzer, the tempo was frenetic. Felix Perez Cardozo used their speed in transition to build a 28-22 advantage after the first period, but Deportivo San Jose responded with a 31-23 second quarter to take a slim halftime lead. The second half was a back‑and‑forth battle, with neither team able to pull away by more than five points until the final minutes.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Fireworks: Felix Perez Cardozo knocked down four three‑pointers in the opening period, setting the pace for a 53-51 halftime score.
• Third Quarter Explosion: Deportivo San Jose opened the third on a 9-2 run, but Cardozo answered with a 12-4 spurt to regain a 76-72 lead going into the fourth.
• Clutch Free Throws: With 18 seconds left and the score 93-92, Cardozo guard Andrés Duarte sank two free throws to push the lead to three. San Jose’s potential game‑tying three‑pointer missed at the buzzer.
• Final Score: 95-92, giving Felix Perez Cardozo their fourth straight home win.

Tactical Story

Both teams prioritized spacing and three‑point shooting. Felix Perez Cardozo attempted 31 three‑pointers, making 12 (38.7%), while Deportivo San Jose hit 10 of 28 from deep. The difference came at the free‑throw line: Cardozo converted 21 of 25 attempts, while San Jose made just 16 of 24. Turnovers also played a role—Cardozo forced 14 San Jose giveaways and scored 18 points off those mistakes.

Standout Players

Felix Perez Cardozo’s Jorge Benítez led all scorers with 27 points, adding 5 assists and 4 steals. His backcourt partner Andrés Duarte contributed 21 points and 7 assists. For Deportivo San Jose, forward Pedro Martínez registered a double‑double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, supported by guard Luis Cáceres (19 points, 6 assists).

Season Impact

The victory lifts Felix Perez Cardozo to 9-3 in Paraguay Primera, keeping them in contention for the league’s top spot. Deportivo San Jose drops to 7-5, but their competitive showing signals they remain a dangerous opponent. Both clubs will look to build on this electrifying encounter as the season enters its critical stretch.