CORDOBA (Argentina) – Sesi Franca’s firepower proved too much for CDC Leones, resulting in an 88-64 victory Sunday night at Estadio Angel Sandrin in Cordoba, Argentina. The Brazilians blew the game open in a second half in a game where 8 of their 10 available players got on the scoreboard.
Turning point
Helinho Rubens’ squad took a steady 8-point lead into halftime but then exploded at the end of the third. A 22-6 run gave them a commanding 69-49 edge and they would extend their lead all the way to 28 points in the fourth quarter.
Player of the game
Charles Hinkle led the way for Franca with 21 points on 7-for-9 shooting from the field. He added 4 rebounds and 4 assists for a game-high 26 efficiency.
Facundo Corvalán and Georginho De Paula scored 13 points apiece, while Nathan Fernandez contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds. Anyeuri Castillo and Jerry Evans Jr. had 14 points each for Leones.
Stats don’t lie
Franca’s strength was evident in their 40-26 edge in points in the paint. They also outrebounded Leones 47-33 and won second-chance points 12-5. Overall, the Brazilians shot 51.2 percent from the field – including a strong 23-for-31 on two-pointers.
Bottom line
Franca improved to 2-0 after sweeping their slate in Argentina and their odds of advancing look especially promising. Leones (0-1) now face home team Instituto on Monday in a crucial game for both squads.
FIBA