BUENOS AIRES (Interstat) — Thursday, Velez Sarsfield defeated visiting Independiente 57-43 in a women’s professional basketball game, using a decisive third-quarter run and a steady closing effort to secure the home victory. Independiente opened with a 15-13 first-quarter lead and held a 32-30 halftime advantage after both teams scored 17 points in the second quarter. Velez Sarsfield took control after the break, outscoring Independiente 16-2 in the third quarter to build a 46-34 lead. The home team then closed with an 11-9 fourth-quarter edge to seal the win. Independiente scored nine points in the fourth quarter. Velez Sarsfield improved to 2-2 this season, while Independiente fell to 3-1. Independiente had won its previous three games, including a 70-48 victory over Union Bahia. Velez Sarsfield had lost two of its previous three games, including a 70-54 setback at Quilmes. Velez Sarsfield is next scheduled to host El Bigua.