Nacional Montevideo secured a 90-77 road win over Atenas in the Uruguay Liga Uruguaya on October 23, 2026, closing the game with a decisive fourth-quarter run. Nacional’s interior control and balanced scoring proved too much for Atenas, who rallied in the third quarter but could not sustain the comeback.

Match overview

Atenas started brightly and led 20-18 after the first quarter, but Nacional responded with a 22-18 second period to take a 46-38 halftime advantage. Atenas cut the lead to four in the third, but Nacional reopened a double-digit margin early in the fourth and pulled away late.

• Quarter scores: 20-24, 18-22, 23-19, 16-25
• Final score: Atenas 77, Nacional Montevideo 90
• Key run: Nacional’s 15-2 fourth-quarter surge

Key moments

With Atenas within striking distance at 68-66 early in the fourth, Nacional produced the decisive stretch of the game. A 15-2 run, sparked by back-to-back three-pointers and aggressive drives, pushed the lead to 15 and took the energy out of the home crowd. Atenas tried to respond with full-court pressure, but Nacional’s guards handled the pressure and converted free throws down the stretch.

Tactical story

Nacional’s offense was patient and physical. They attacked the paint early, drawing fouls and creating open looks for shooters. Their defensive rebounding limited Atenas’ second-chance opportunities and allowed them to control the tempo. Atenas’ third-quarter run came from increased ball pressure and transition baskets, but Nacional adjusted by slowing the pace and using their half-court sets.

Standout players

• Facundo Martinez (Nacional): 24 points, 6 rebounds — led the scoring and hit the key shots in the fourth-quarter run.
• Santiago Varela (Nacional): 18 points, 12 rebounds — controlled the paint on both ends.
• Joaquin Rodriguez (Atenas): 19 points, 5 assists — kept Atenas competitive with timely shot-making.

Standings and season impact

The road victory strengthens Nacional Montevideo’s position in the Liga Uruguaya table and gives them an important head-to-head edge over Atenas. For Atenas, the loss highlights the need for more consistent execution in the final quarter. Nacional will look to build on their defensive rebounding and late-game composure, while Atenas must regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture.