Flamengo stays undefeated with win over UdeC

 BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) – UdeC faced off against Flamengo, who sits atop Group D, on Saturday night at Estadio Luis Conde in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Flamengo, the reigning BCL Americas champions, have yet to lose in group play going 2-0 in the first window in December while UdeC entered the game yet to find their first win against tough competition.

 

UdeC's Arnold Louis led all scorers with 25 points and added 9 rebounds. However, Flamengo's late fourth quarter dominance solidified their 82-68 win to remain undefeated.

UdeC started off hot in the first quarter. Louis controlled the offense while Windi Graterol held down the defensive side of the court to help UdeC lead by one at the end of the quarter. Flamengo’s Rafa Mineiro rebounding efforts kept them in the game.

Flamengo bounced back into their competition form, with Dar Tucker adding 11 points in the second to help Flamengo take back the lead heading into halftime despite a back and forth battle from both teams.

 

Louis continued to dominate for UdeC, and Flamengo could not stop him. He led UdeC with 16 points and 6 rebounds by the half with Josimar Ayarza and Eugenio Luzcando adding 9 points each.

Flamengo regrouped at the half from their slow start, but UdeC kept it close going back and forth to tie Flamengo at multiple points in the third quarter.

Louis and Luzcando combined for 34 points for UdeC by the end of the third. However the trio of Tucker, Batista and Vitor Faverani proved to be too much for UdeC to contain as Flamengo took a 9-point lead heading into the final ten minutes of play.

Still, UdeC kept it within 10 points for most of the fourth quarter against Flamengo, playing hard defense and forcing unbalanced shots to get the rebound and score in transition.

Flamengo pulled away in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, driving the basket and keeping control of the boards on the offensive end to limit any second chances from UdeC. With just under a minute to go Flamengo led by as many as 13 points which was too much for UdeC to overcome and find a win.

Rafa Mineiro held down both sides of the ball for Flamengo to help them bounce back in the second half, finishing the game with a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double while Tucker led Flamengo in scoring with 18 points.

 

FIBA