Instituto opened the 2026/2027 Liga Nacional de Básquetbol season with a hard-fought encounter against San Martín de Corrientes at the Fortín Rojinegro stadium, dropping a close decision as the team adjusted to life on the road under an interim coaching staff.
Opening Night Battle in Corrientes
The campaign tips off with high ambitions for the Alta Córdoba club, which traveled to the northeastern capital seeking another deep postseason run. Records show that Instituto deployed a starting five featuring Gastón Whelan, Juan Pablo Corbalán, Xavier Carreras, Bautista Lugarini, and American center Torren Jones. The hosts seized the early momentum with a 7-0 burst before Carreras answered with a three-pointer to get the Albirrojo on the board. Whelan orchestrated a subsequent 10-0 surge that put Instituto ahead 17-11, though San Martín tightened its defense to claim a narrow 22-19 advantage after the first quarter.
Roster Adjustments and Bench Production
As the match wore on, the visiting rotation found sparks from younger contributors. Youngster Lucas Andersson chipped in five valuable points, while Corbalán wreaked havoc in one-on-one situations, pouring in 14 points by halftime to help Instituto build a five-point cushion late in the second period. Despite a strong offensive stretch, late turnovers allowed San Martín to claw back and take a 42-41 edge into the intermission.
Coaching Leadership and Roster Status
The team arrived in Corrientes operating without head coach Sebastián González, who remained in recovery following a heart surgery performed on September 17. Manuel Urrutia took charge of the sideline duties alongside assistants Ignacio Giambartolomei and Lorenzo Ayunta. Meanwhile, team captain Leandro Vildoza made the trip despite lingering concerns over a tendon injury, offering reassurance to reporters that his recovery is progressing. Vicente Garello did not make the roster for the opening road trip.
Offseason Context and Upcoming Schedule
Instituto enters the new basketball calendar looking to bounce back from an uneven campaign where they finished the regular phase with 20 wins and 16 losses before falling in a five-game quarterfinal series against Quimsa. Despite that domestic exit, the club secured the Supercopa de la Liga Nacional by defeating Boca at the Atenas stadium. Following the conclusion of the opener, Instituto remains in Corrientes to face Regatas Corrientes on Friday at 8:05 p.m. local time.
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