MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Boca Juniors controlled the game from start to finish, defeating Real Estelí on the road, 72-58, to win the BCL Americas Quarterfinal series 2-1 and secure their spot in the Final 4. Boca joins Instituto, Flamengo, and SESI Franca in the Semifinal lineup. The Final 4 will be played next April at a venue yet to be announced.
Turning point
The Argentine squad went on a 14-0 run between the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth, taking a 64-46 lead and sealing the game in their favor, despite more than eight minutes remaining. Real Estelí was never able to cut the deficit back to single digits and ran out of chances. The Nicaraguan team had closed the gap to 50-46 with a layup from Glen Rice Jr. with 3:37 left in the third quarter, but Boca implemented an effective zone defense that completely slowed down their opponents. Real Estelí went over five minutes without scoring, allowing the Argentinians to break the game open with their 14-0 run.
Player of the game
Colombian big man Andrés Ibargüen led Boca with 15 points, but it was the team’s collective effort on both ends of the court that secured the victory. Four players scored in double figures: Sebastián Vega contributed 14 points along with 10 rebounds and 3 steals, Santiago Scala added 13, and Marcos Delía chipped in 12.
For Estelí, it was a tough night offensively. Only Joao Franca (16 points and 10 rebounds) and Jezreel De Jesús (10 points) reached double figures.
Stats don’t lie
Real Estelí fell behind 12-2 early and never found its rhythm. They managed to hit only 2 three-pointers out of 18 attempts, and Boca also limited their fast breaks, holding them to just 7 transition points. Boca capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring Estelí 11-2 in that category. Their bench, led by Ibargüen, was also a key factor, contributing 22 points compared to just 9 from Real Estelí’s reserves.
Bottom line
For the first time in their history (after three appearances), Boca Juniors will play in the Final 4 of the Basketball Champions League Americas. Meanwhile, Real Estelí, a finalist in the tournament’s second season, has now failed to advance past the Quarterfinals in five of its six participations, including this one.
FIBA