Preview: Past winners Flamengo take on Lakeland in Semi-Finals opener

CAIRO (Egypt) - The 2022 edition of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup is very nearly upon us as four teams battle it out to be crowned champions.

2014 winners Flamengo take on Lakeland Magic in Friday's opening Semi-Final with the tournament held in Africa for the first time.

Here's a closer look at the two teams:

History: Flamengo became just the second Brazilian side to win the competition when they lifted the title in 2014 - emulating the feat of Sirio 35 years prior. They made another appearance in 2019 and reached the final, where they were beaten by Greek side AEK Athens.

Lakeland make their competition bow as they look to go better than the fourth-placed finishes achieved by fellow NBA G-League sides Austin Spurs and Rio Grande Valley Vipers in 2019 and 2020, respectively. 

There have been three American winners of the Intercontinental Cup with Akron Goodyear Wingfoots doing so three years in a row from 1967-69, while Maryland Terrapins remain the last winners in 1974.

How they made it: Flamengo battled their way to the Basketball Champions League Americas title in 2021 in the Nicaraguan capital of Managua. They defeated compatriots Sao Paulo in the Semi-Finals before completing their triumph with a four-point victory over Real Esteli in the Championship decider.

Lakeland entered the NBA G-League as the sixth seeds and progressed through the bubble in Orlando with their run culminating in a 19-point victory over Delaware Blue Coats. Devin Cannady was named MVP with 22 points in the Finals triumph with assistant Joe Barrer now having taken the reins as head coach.

Watch out for: Last year, Brandon Robinson was playing in the Intercontinental Cup final for Quimsa with a 25-point haul in the loss to Burgos. The American made the switch from Argentina to Brazil this season and is averaging 15+ points per game for Flamengo to help the team to a 17-2 record in the domestic league.

Jeff Dowtin and BJ Johnson are both averaging above 20 points per game in the NBA G-League with Lakeland also adding experience to their roster with the signing of experienced Latvian international Janis Timma.

The Intercontinental Cup is available to watch live and you can find details on TV coverage in your geographical area here.

FIBA