Big second half propels Hebraica Macabi to win over Boca Jrs

MONTEVIDEO (Uruguay) – Despite being down early, gameday 10 action of Basketball Champions League of Americas between Hebraica Macabi and Boca Jrs at Palacio Peñarol resulted in an 82-64 win for Macabi thanks to a solid second half performance on Wednesday night.

Scoring just 12 points in the first quarter, Macabi trailed by 12 points as Boca Jrs was led early by Jose Vildoza's scoring and playmaking setting up his teammates that gave him a tally of 13 points by the half.

Jordan Williams and Franklin Hassell picked up the hustle for Macabi as they rallied 13 and 11 points respectively by halftime to cut the deficit to just 4 points as Boca Jrs led 40-36.

Hassell cleaned up on the boards to keep Macabi in the game through the first two quarters as he grabbed five offensive rebounds to keep Macabi in their scoring zone.

Both teams struggled to find a shooting rhythm early but Boca Jrs were able to get hot from beyond the arc shooting 41 per cent from three.

They also controlled the defensive boards to limit any second chances from Macabi, which proved to be a difficult task as they notched 13 points from second chances whereas Boca Jrs recorded just three.

Trailing by 8 with just over 5 minutes to play in the third quarter Macabi continued to inch closer, finding the equalizer as Jordan Williams hit two free throws to tie the game at 52-52.

Ernesto Ogilvie scored 9 points in the quarter bringing his total through three to 16, helping build momentum for Macabi to push off of in the fourth quarter as they outscored Boca Jrs. 21-19.

The fourth quarter was all Macabi as they held Boca Jrs to just 5 points while scoring 25 of their own as Williams erupted for double digit fourth quarter points. Macabi improved their shooting to 47 per cent and controlled the boards on both ends of the court while also forcing Boca Jrs to make 17 total turnovers.

Williams led Macabi with 28 points and 7 rebounds while Ogilvie added a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, combining for over half of Macabi's total points.

Vildoza led Macabi with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists while Carlos Schattmann added 13 points.

FIBA