SANTIAGO (Chile) – SESI Franca once again proved their dominance and became the first team to qualify for the Quarterfinals of BCL Americas after beating CDC Leones, 83-71, in a Group D game at Centro de Deportes Colectivos in Santiago, Chile.
With Franca’s win, Instituto also secured their place in the next round by finishing in second place in the zone, eliminating CDC Leones from the competition.
Turning point
The Brazilian champions set the tone with a 22-13 first quarter and led the rest of the way behind an effective offense. Leones tried to bridge the gap throughout the night, but Helinho’s guys always responded, and the outcome was never in danger. The Chileans got within 7 points (62-55) at the beginning of the final quarter on a 2+1 from Dominican Luis Martínez, but Franca quickly extended the lead back to double digits. The lead became insurmountable when Wesley Ferreira’s bucket made it 79-65 with 1:46 left in the game.
Player of the game
Lucas Dias showed he’s now fully recovered from the injury that forced him to miss the December games, and in just 22 minutes of action off the bench he contributed 20 points on 8-for-12 from the field, including 4-for-8 from long distance.
Ferreira added 15 points and Rafael Hettsheimeir another 11. Charles Hinkle had 10, while Georginho De Paula finished with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and a block for a team-high 23 efficiency. Jerry Evans Jr. (16 points on 4 three-pointers), Roquez Johnson (13 points and 6 rebounds) and Joshua Webster (11 points and 6 assists) were CDC Leones’ top performers.
Stats don’t lie
Just like during their Friday game against Instituto, Franca’s efficient offense tipped the scales in their favor. This time, the Brazilians shot 55 percent from the field, including a strong 43 percent from long distance (10-for-23). Leones didn’t have a bad offense night either (44 percent on 27-for-67 shooting) but their defense could never keep up. Franca also had a big boost from their bench, who outscored CDC Leones’ reserves 36-19. They once again proved to have great depth, especially on a set of games where they were missing David Jackson, one of their stars.
Bottom line
Franca’s undefeated streak in Group D extended to 4 games and they’ll close out the Group Stage in February at home looking to maintain their perfect record. CDC Leones didn’t have the BCL Americas debut they were hoping for, but the experience will allow them to keep growing as an organization. FIBA