A successful BCL Americas return for Nacional

SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO (Argentina) – In an exciting game that required overtime, Club Nacional got their Basketball Champions League Americas Season 5 off on the right foot with an 89-84 win over Sao Paulo FC.

Nacional led for the entire game until Sao Paulo made their move and took the lead with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Sao Paulo led 75-72 with 18 seconds to go, but Nacional were able to force overtime tied at 76.

In the extra five minutes, Nacional outscored Sao Paulo 13-8 to hold on for the narrow victory.

Franco Giorgetti (18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals) and Eric Anderson (16 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists) both recorded a double-double for Nacional.

Michael Smith was also a key contributor as he finished as the team’s top scorer with 22 points.

The three players combined to make 19 of Nacional’s 31 total made shots from the field.

Nacional doubled up Sao Paulo in assists 24-12 and found success in the paint, scoring 40 points.

On the other side, Ricardo Fischer (game-high 24 points) and Tyrone Curnell (19 points) combined for 43 points for Sao Paulo, more than half of the team’s total points.

Nacional are now 1-0 in Group B and will play again on Monday against Quimsa who are also 1-0. Sao Paulo FC, meanwhile, fall to 0-2 in the group and will play next on January 18.

FIBA