SANTIAGO (Chile) – SESI Franca extended their undefeated streak in BCL Americas Group D after defeating Instituto, 91-83, at Centro de Deportes Colectivos in Santiago, Chile. The Brazilian champions started the second slate of Group Stage games on the right foot by beating the Argentinians for the second time, securing the head-to-head matchup between them.
Turning point
Franca opened the game on a 7-0 run and quickly jumped to an 11-point lead (74-63). They then nursed that lead despite Instituto getting dangerously close at 82-78 on a three-pointer from Nicolás Copello with 3:23 left in the game. However, Helinho’s guys responded with a Didi Louzada three-pointer, a deuce from Charles Hinkle and another bucket from Wesley Ferreira – the dagger that made it 89-81 with under 90 seconds to go.
Player of the game
Ferreira finished with 18 points on 8-for-10 from the field. He added 6 rebounds and 2 steals for a team-high 23 efficiency.
Didi followed him with 17 points (3 makes from downtown) and youngster Nathan Fernandez contributed 14 points (7-for-8 from the field). George De Paula flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Lucas Dias, back from injury, also had 11 points. Uruguayan Nicola Pomoli led Instituto with 17 points. Copello added 13 (on 4-for-6 from beyond the arc), Javier Saiz had 12 (and 6 rebounds) and Leandro Vildoza scored 11.
Stats don’t lie
On a night where both teams executed at a high level, Franca was a cut above by hitting 53 percent of their shots (33-for-62), including a torrid 24-for-37 on two-pointers. Instituto also shot above 46 percent, but their defense couldn’t slow the Brazilians down enough.
Bottom line
Franca improved to 3-0 and a win on Saturday against hosts CDC Leones would secure their spot in the Quarterfinals. Instituto (2-2) is back to an even record but remain on great footing. A win from Franca on Saturday would also send them through to the next round. FIBA