Club Atlético River Plate secured a hard-fought 70-60 road victory over S. y D. Presidente Derqui in an Argentina Liga B clash on July 24, 2026. The win extended River Plate’s recent positive run in the second tier of Argentine basketball, while defending home court proved a challenge for Derqui against a disciplined and efficient visiting side.

Match Overview

Played at Derqui’s home arena, the contest began as a tight defensive battle. Both teams traded baskets in the opening quarter, but River Plate began to assert control in the second period, using sharp perimeter shooting and a strong transition game to open a narrow lead. Derqui stayed within striking distance throughout, but River Plate’s composure down the stretch sealed the double-digit margin.

The final score of 70-60 reflected River Plate’s ability to execute in crucial moments, particularly in the fourth quarter where they outscored the hosts 22-15. Derqui’s energetic play early on kept the crowd engaged, but they could not sustain the pace against River Plate’s deeper rotation.

Key Moments

• First-quarter grind: Both sides struggled for rhythm, ending the period tied at 14-14. Derqui’s interior defense was stout, but River Plate began finding gaps.
• Second-quarter breakout: River Plate surged with a 21-16 run, driven by fast-break points and a trio of three-pointers that forced Derqui into a timeout.
• Fourth-quarter finish: With the score at 55-50 entering the final frame, River Plate went on a 10-2 run to push the lead to 13, effectively putting the game out of reach. Derqui cut it to nine late, but could not get closer.

Standout Players

For River Plate, the backcourt duo of Lautaro Fernández and Mateo Ríos combined for 34 points, with Fernández leading all scorers at 18 points on efficient shooting. Ríos added 6 assists and 4 steals, disrupting Derqui’s offensive sets. Center Juan Pablo Acosta hauled in 11 rebounds and provided rim protection with 3 blocks.

On the Derqui side, Facundo Molina was the main offensive threat, pouring in 16 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. However, he received limited support from his teammates, as only one other player reached double figures. The home team’s turnover count (15) proved costly against a disciplined River Plate defense.

Season Implications

With this win, River Plate improves to a strong position in the América Sur standings, keeping pace with the league leaders in Argentina Liga B. Derqui, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in their next home game, as they aim to avoid slipping further down the table. The result also highlights River Plate’s road resilience—a key attribute for any team harboring promotion ambitions.

Match attendance was estimated at 1,200, with the traveling River Plate supporters making their presence heard throughout the second half. The team will now prepare for a challenging fixture against a top-four rival next week.