Semi-Final Phase begins with celebrations from Paulistano and Franca

FRANCA (Brazil) – The Semi-Final Phase of the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas 2019 tipped-off today with impressive wins for Paulistano and SESI/Franca.

The meeting between the host and Atenas de Cordoba. Franca started the game in dominant fashion with a 34-17 first quarter. Atenas leveled the output of the opponent during the second quarter and the host headed to half-time with a 17-point lead, 54-37.

Franca maintained high production and kept adding to the difference, for a 99-77 win.

Franca shot for a 52% from the field and was led offensively by 18 points from Lucas Dias. The team coached by Helinho had four players scoring 15 points or more.

Meanwhile, Atenas was led offensively by 13 points from Xavier Roberson.

On the second game of the day, Paulistano got-off to a great start against Capitanes of Mexico with a 12-0 run. Rigoberto Mendoza put the team from Mexico City on the board following a lay-up. Paulistano showed great efficiency in field shots and dominated the painted area to grow the difference on the scoreboard. Paulistano headed to half-time with an 18-point lead.

Capitanes had a better output at the start of the second half and cut the difference following a 22-15 third quarter. The team of Paulistano went on to win the last 10 minutes of the game to celebrate the win 98-81.

Guilherme Hubner led the Paulistano offensive with an impressive 23-point performance. Evan Roquemore added 16 points for the Brazilian squad.

Capitanes was led offensively by Rigoberto Mendoza, who racked-up 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Tomorrow on the second day of the first Semi-Final Group, Capitanes will face the host and Atenas will face Paulistano.

FIBA