D'Agosto become first team to qualify for FINAL FOUR

LUANDA (Angola) - By beating Petro Atletico de Luanda 74-57 on Friday in Luanda, Primeiro D'Agosto became the first team to qualify for the FIBA Africa Basketball League 2019 FINAL FOUR.

The eight-time African champions came to the game on the back of a 70-57 in the first-leg, and closed the two-game series with a 144-114 win on aggregate.

And although Petro Atletico de Luanda cut the deficit to six points midway through the third quarter, D'Agosto - who never trailed - regained control of the contest leading by as many as 19 points.

Felizardo Ambrosio led all scorers with 20 points, Eduardo Mingas and Islando Manuel added 14 points apiece as D'Agosto advanced to the FINAL FOUR with a commanding 5-0.

"Petro caused us a lot of trouble but we knew we had to win this game, regardless of our advantage in Game 1," Ambrosio said after the game.

Meanwhile, Petro Atletico's Carlos Morais did everything in his power to give his team a chance, finishing with  team-highs 14 points and five rebounds, but making only 13 of their 22 free-throws proved costly for the 2015 African champions, who will focus now on the Angolan Cup semifinal next week against Primeiro D'Agosto.

"We made too many mistakes, and we allowed far too many D'Agosto points in the painted area," Morais said.

Paulo Macedo (D'Agosto)

After leading D'Agosto to their last continental title in 2013, head coach Paulo Macedo noted that: "We are happy for winning all Group Phase as well as the Elite 8 series, and we will do everything we can to win the whole competition. We know it won't be easy because there are some good teams out there, but that's what us a competitive team need."

Meanwhile, Petro Atletico closed their FIBA Africa Basketball League 2019 campaign with a 2-3 mark. 

The ELITE 8 resume on Sunday, April 7th with Smouha Sporting Club hosting Al Ahly. The former claimed a much-needed 91-82 win two weeks ago. 

The FINAL FOUR is due to take place in May.

FIBA