Hebraica Macabi shocks SESI Franca to force Game 3

FRANCA (Brazil) – Hebraica Macabi pulled off arguably the biggest upset of Basketball Champions League Americas Season 5, defeating SESI Franca, 100-94, Friday night to force a Game 3.

The crowd at Ginásio Pedrocão left stunned as the Uruguayans took control of the game midway through the second quarter and held on for dear life, staying afloat in the series and earning a shot at advancing to the semifinals for the first time in their history.

Turning point: Even though the game only had 6 lead changes and Hebraica lead during 28:57, the game had a pair of key moments that determined the final outcome.

The first one was the 12-0 run in the second quarter, fueled by Brian García’s 8 points, that turned a 4-point deficit into an 8-point lead – one they would never relinquish.

The second was late in the fourth quarter, as Franca chipped away at the deficit and got within a single point on a Santiago Scala jumper with 1:16 to go. However, in the next possession Luciano Parodi found Juan Ducasse wide open for a three-pointer that took the wind out of the home team’s sails.

Jordan Williams went on to hit 4 free throws in the final minute to put the game away for the visitors.

Player of the Game: Franklin Hassell got Hebraica going in the first half, scoring 19 of his game-high 25 points before halftime.

The 35-year-old center shot 10/16 from the field and added 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and a block for an efficiency score of 35.

Ernesto Oglivie had 19 points on 8/10 from the field, while Williams (17), García (16) and Ducasse (10) also scored in double figures for Leonardo Zylbersztein’s club.

Meanwhile, David Jackson scored 16 of his team-high 24 points in the second quarter to pace Franca. Lucas Dias added 21 points and 6 rebounds, while Marcio Santos (17), Charles Hinkle (13) and Scala (12) also scored in double digits.

Stats don’t lie: Hebraica shot 58.7 percent from the field, including 29/45 on twos and 8/18 from beyond the arc in an explosive offensive performance.

They also had 25 assists to just 14 turnovers and Franca inside with a 50-32 edge in points in the paint.

The Uruguayans were just as good on defense, holding the home team to just 43 percent from the field and sending them to the line only 14 times.

Bottom line: Franca’s title defense is now suddenly in peril, with the winner of Game 3 on Saturday determining who will advance to the Final 4.

However, the Brazilians will once again play at home at Ginásio Pedrocão as they try to bounce back and put an end to Hebraica’s dream run.

FIBA