SANTIAGO, CHILE – SESI Franca once again proved its superiority by defeating CDC Leones 83-71 in a Group D match at the Centro de Colectivos in Santiago, Chile, earning a spot in the BCL Americas quarterfinals. They were the first team to win the title.
Franca’s victory also saw Instituto finish second in their zone, eliminating CDC Leones from the competition and securing their spot in the next round.
turning point
The Brazilian champions took control of the game in the first quarter, 22-13, and led the rest of the way with an effective attack. Leones tried to close the gap all night, but Erinho’s side always responded and the result was never in jeopardy. Chile got within seven points (62-55) at the start of the final quarter on a 2+1 from Dominican Republic’s Luis Martinez, but Franca quickly extended the lead to double digits. Wesley Ferreira’s bucket with 1:46 remaining made it 79-65, making the lead irreplaceable.
game player
Lucas Diaz showed he is fully recovered from the injury that forced him to miss a game in December, contributing 20 points on 8-of-12 field goals in just 22 minutes off the bench, including He made 4 of 8 field goals. Long distance.
Ferreira scored 15 points and Rafael Hetzheimia added 11 points. Charles Hinkle had 10 points and Jorginho De Paula had a team-high 23 points with 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Jerry Evans Jr. (16 points on four 3-pointers), Roques Johnson (13 points, six rebounds) and Joshua Webster (11 points, six assists) were the CDC Leones’ top performers.
statistics don’t lie
Just like in Friday’s match against Instituto, Franca’s efficient attack gave them the upper hand. This time, the Brazilian shot 55% from the field, including 43% from long range (10-for-23). The Leones had a decent night offensively (27-of-67 shooting, 44%), but their defense couldn’t keep up. Franca also received a big boost from the bench, outscoring the CDC Leones reserves 36-19. They once again proved they have great depth, especially in a series of games without one of their star players, David Jackson.
conclusion
The Franca’s unbeaten run in Group D extends to four games and they will aim to maintain their perfect record when they finish the group stage at home in February. Although the CDC Leons were not able to make their anticipated BCL Americas debut, this experience will help them continue to grow as an organization. FIBA
