Platense defeated Olímpico 82 to 74 in Santiago del Estero to open the 2026/27 Liga Nacional de Básquet season, as Julián Morales led the winners with 15 points, according to league reporting. The visiting side capitalized on eight first-quarter turnovers by the home team to build an early cushion before holding off a second-half surge at Estadio Vicente Rosales.
Early Turnovers Shape the First Quarter in La Banda
Platense seized control immediately by exploiting Olímpico’s early struggles with ball security and defensive rebounding. With Franco Smaniotti pacing the offense, the team from Vicente López closed the opening period with an 18 to 8 advantage. Olímpico coach Leonardo Costa turned to Jeremías Frontera off the bench to inject pace into the attack, but the hosts faced a double-digit deficit after repeatedly turning the ball over under intense defensive pressure.
Andrew Corum Sparks Olímpico’s Second-Half Comeback
Olímpico chipped away at the margin before halftime through the physical presence of Andrew Corum and the perimeter shooting of Lucas Pérez. Corum finished as the game’s top scorer with 20 points, shooting five of eight from beyond the arc, while Pérez sparked a rally that cut Platense’s lead to 39 to 34 at the break. After the intermission, Olímpico briefly claimed a one-point edge at 40 to 39 following a three-point play in the paint by Hall Elisias, who finished with 10 points.
Facundo Terra and Franco Smaniotti Secure the Road Victory
The lead changed hands multiple times during a tight third quarter that ended with Platense holding a narrow 51 to 50 edge. In the final period, the squad directed by Martín Yangüela orchestrated a decisive six-point run to stretch the margin. Facundo Terra and Erik Copes added 12 points apiece for the visitors, while Federico Grun chipped in 13. Despite late three-point baskets from Corum and two free throws from Austin Wrighten that knotted the score at 62, defensive lapses prevented Olímpico from completing the comeback.
Platense Wins Opener and Prepares to Visit Quimsa
The result leaves Platense at 1 to 0 to begin the regular season campaign, standing as one of the early road winners in the opening slate of fixtures. Martín Yangüela’s squad continues its road trip by visiting Quimsa on Saturday. Meanwhile, Olímpico drops its opener at home and prepares to host Atenas on October 7. In Friday’s other scheduled action, Regatas Corrientes faces Instituto at 21:00 local time.
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