Gimnasia Comodoro Rivadavia Defeats Quimsa in Game 6 to Win Historic Liga Nacional Title
Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina — Gimnasia y Esgrima de Comodoro Rivadavia completed its historic run by defeating Quimsa 84-82 in Game 6 of the Liga Nacional de Básquet finals on , securing their first-ever league championship in a dramatic 117-minute battle. The victory capped a season in which the FIBA-affiliated team overcame a 3-2 series deficit to etch their name into Argentine basketball history.
The championship was sealed by Nicolás Laprovíttola, who scored 28 points and hit the game-winning free throws with 1.5 seconds remaining in regulation. Quimsa’s Facundo Campazzo, the series MVP, finished with 30 points but could not prevent the upset.
How Gimnasia Overcame a 3-2 Deficit in the Most Dramatic Final Series in Liga Nacional History
The road to Comodoro Rivadavia’s title began with a stunning collapse. Quimsa led the series 3-2 after Game 5, with Campazzo dominating the court and Lautaro López (22 points in Game 5) leading the charge. But Gimnasia’s coaching staff, led by Marcelo Milanesio, made a pivotal adjustment: they shifted to a more aggressive offensive system in the final game, prioritizing three-point shooting and fast breaks.
According to Liga Nacional de Básquet official records, Gimnasia attempted 32 three-pointers in Game 6—10 more than their season average—with a conversion rate of 42%. Their bench, led by Nahuel Achinelli (18 points), provided the spark in the fourth quarter when the lead changed hands five times in the final 90 seconds.
Key Moments That Decided the Championship
- 18:30 remaining (3rd quarter): Quimsa led 68-59. Campazzo hit a three-pointer to extend the lead to 10, but Gimnasia’s Matías Fagioli answered with a layup and free throws to cut the deficit to 68-64.
- 3:22 remaining (4th quarter): Gimnasia’s Facundo Piñero hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 82-82, forcing overtime. The crowd at Estadio Socios Fundadores erupted as the home team took control of the momentum.
- 1:30 remaining (regulation): Laprovíttola hit a three-pointer to give Gimnasia a 84-82 lead. Quimsa’s final possession ended in a turnover, handing the championship to Comodoro Rivadavia.
The championship was played in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut Province, Argentina (UTC-3), with temperatures reaching 12°C (54°F) and overcast skies. The game drew an estimated 6,500 fans to the venue, the largest crowd of the series.
What This Means for Argentine Basketball
Gimnasia’s victory marks the first time a team from Patagonia has won the Liga Nacional since its inception in 1985. The team, based in a city of 180,000 residents, becomes the smallest-market champion in the league’s history, surpassing Weber Bahía Blanca (population: 300,000) who won in 2009.
For Campazzo, the loss is a bitter one. Despite leading Quimsa to the finals and earning series MVP honors (29.0 PPG, 8.0 APG, 5.0 RPG), he was unable to overcome Gimnasia’s late-game resilience. “We gave everything, but sometimes in these moments, the other team just has more heart,” Campazzo told reporters after the game.
According to FIBA Argentina, Gimnasia’s championship also qualifies them for the 2025 FIBA Americas League, where they will join top Argentine clubs like Boca Juniors and Estudiantes in continental competition.
Tactical Breakdown: How Gimnasia’s Coaching Outmaneuvered Quimsa
Milanesio’s strategy in Game 6 centered on three key adjustments:
- Small-ball lineups: Gimnasia played Laprovíttola and Achinelli at the same time in multiple lineups, stretching the defense and creating mismatches. Quimsa’s Leonardo Romero (6’10”, 250 lbs) was forced to guard multiple positions, leading to turnovers.
- Transition offense: With 12 fast-break points in the fourth quarter, Gimnasia exploited Quimsa’s defense, which was playing conservatively to protect its lead. Laprovíttola averaged 2.8 seconds per possession in transition.
- Defensive rotations: Gimnasia’s Fagioli and Piñero switched onto screens relentlessly, forcing Campazzo into isolation where he shot 4-of-12 from the field.
Quimsa’s offense, meanwhile, struggled with Gimnasia’s zone defense in the final quarter. The team attempted just 12 three-pointers in the fourth quarter, a statistically rare occurrence for a team leading by double digits.
Player Performances: Laprovíttola and Achinelli Lead the Charge
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolás Laprovíttola | Gimnasia | 28 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 50% |
| Nahuel Achinelli | Gimnasia | 18 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 45% |
| Facundo Campazzo | Quimsa | 30 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 48% |
| Lautaro López | Quimsa | 16 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 57% |
| Matías Fagioli | Gimnasia | 14 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 40% |
Laprovíttola’s performance earned him Finals MVP honors, becoming the first player from Chubut to win the award. His clutch shooting—including a three-pointer with 3:22 remaining—was decisive. “This is for all the kids in Comodoro Rivadavia who never thought we could do it,” Laprovíttola said in his post-game interview.
What Happens Next: Gimnasia’s Path to Continental Basketball
With the championship secured, Gimnasia will now turn its focus to the 2025 FIBA Americas League, where they will face elite competition from clubs like Fluminense (Brazil), Quimsa (Argentina), and Boca Juniors (Argentina). The team has already begun preparations, with Milanesio indicating they will target free agency to add depth for the continental campaign.
Quimsa, meanwhile, will look to rebound in the 2025 Liga Nacional regular season. The team has already begun evaluating roster changes, with reports suggesting Leonardo Romero could be a target for international teams seeking a frontcourt anchor.
According to the Liga Nacional schedule, the regular season is set to begin on , with Gimnasia expected to be a title favorite alongside Estudiantes and Boca Juniors.
Fan Reactions: A City Celebrates Its First Championship
In Comodoro Rivadavia, the victory was met with jubilation. Fans flooded the streets, and the city’s Plaza del Cívico became the center of celebrations. Marcelo Milanesio, the coach, was carried off the court by his players, while Laprovíttola was mobbed by supporters.
“This is a dream come true for all of us. We’ve been waiting 39 years for this moment, and today, our team gave us everything.”
— Local resident and Gimnasia fan, speaking to La Nación
Quimsa’s fans, while disappointed, praised Gimnasia’s resilience. Campazzo acknowledged the underdog story, telling reporters, “They fought like warriors. That’s what basketball is about—heart and determination.”
Next on the calendar: Gimnasia will host a victory parade in Comodoro Rivadavia on , followed by a press conference at 11:00 AM local time (UTC-3). The team will then begin training camp for the Americas League.
What do you think about Gimnasia’s historic win? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our Twitter page.
Worth a look
