River Plate beat Regatas de San Nicolás 83-74 in overtime, completed a 2-0 Liga Federal semifinal series and earned promotion to the Liga Argentina. Agustín Bajz's team achieved their main objective of the season on the road.
The game remained open throughout regulation. Regatas fought back in front of their supporters at La Ribera and levelled at 69-69, forcing the second finalist and promoted team to be decided over five additional minutes.
River produced their strongest stretch in overtime. They scored 14 points, including two decisive three-pointers, managed possessions more effectively and punished the home side's mistakes to build an unanswered advantage.
Felipe Pais led the win with 22 points and nine rebounds. Genaro Lorio added 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Julián Aprea completed the productive core with 16 points and seven rebounds.
Regatas received 14 points each from Nicolás Ferreyra and Repetti and stayed in contention despite their absences. Their effort was enough to force overtime, but River were more precise in the decisions that settled the series.
Promotion does not end the campaign. River face Mitre de Posadas on Wednesday, August 12 at 9 p.m. in a single game on the Misiones club's court to determine the Liga Federal champions between two teams already guaranteed second-tier places.
