MIAMI (United States) – Real Estelí and SESI Franca started strong in the final stage of the Basketball Champions League Americas Group Phase, securing victories in their respective games on Wednesday. Here's how the day unfolded in Medellín, Colombia, and Franca, Brazil:
Paisas 87 – 92 Real Estelí
Jezreel De Jesús and Jared Ruiz combined for 58 points, leading Real Estelí (3-2) to a crucial away win against Paisas (2-3) in their BCL Americas Group A matchup at the Coliseo Iván de Bedout in Medellín. De Jesús scored 32 points, with 6 rebounds and 4 assists, while Ruiz added 26 points and 6 rebounds.
Real Estelí set the tone early with a 20-12 run in the first quarter and maintained their lead throughout the game, thanks to the unstoppable duo of De Jesús and Ruiz, who relentlessly attacked the opposing defense. "We knew we had to come out focused from the start. Unlike our previous encounter, we didn't wait until the second half and were able to close out the game," said De Jesús after the game. Real Estelí extended their lead to 88-72 with a layup by De Jesús with 4:50 minutes remaining, and although Paisas narrowed the gap, time was not on their side. "We still need to improve on our closing, we've been terrible in that aspect. Now we need to focus on tomorrow's (Thursday) game to finish this stage strong," added the Puerto Rican point guard. Williams Daniels (13 points) and Gabriel Girón (10) also scored in double figures for Real Estelí. For Paisas, Víctor Liz led the offense with 20 points, followed by Eric Crawford with 19 and Juan Rosario with 15. This Thursday, Real Estelí faces Toros del Valle and will try to secure their spot in the next round.
SESI Franca 87 – 75 CDC Leones
SESI Franca (5-0) put together a 22-4 run in the final quarter to overcome CDC Leones (0-5) in Ginásio Pedrocão in Franca, and maintain their undefeated record in Group D. Leones dominated for three quarters (30-19, 48-44, and 71-65) with an offense that shot over 55 percent from the field and over 60 percent from three-point range. However, in the final quarter, SESI Franca showcased their strength and demonstrated why they lead the group, shutting down their opponents' attack. Georginho De Paula orchestrated the offense for the Brazilians and flirted with a triple-double, producing 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, along with 2 steals (28 EFF). Lucas Dias added 18 points with 8 rebounds, and Didi Louzada contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds.
David Jackson, who returned after settling in the previous stage, scored 13 points, and Wesley Ferreira added 11. Despite the collapse in the final 10 minutes, the Chilean team finished shooting 54 percent from beyond the arc (14-26), but their 23 turnovers sealed their fate. Franca took advantage of every turnover to run the court at will (21-3 in fast-break points). The debutants Shaheed Davis (19 points) and Martín Trelles (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) made a good impression for the losing side. Ignacio Carrión finished with 15 points. This Thursday, Leones faces Instituto in Group D. FIBA