CÓRDOBA (Argentina) – Instituto managed to break the game open down the stretch and defended their home court against Minas with a 67-60 victory, taking the lead (1-0) in their Quarterfinal series, which kicked off this Saturday at the Ángel Sandrín Stadium.
Turning point
The game was tight from start to finish and was decided in the final moments when point guard Leandro Vildoza knocked down a three-pointer with 1:08 remaining, putting Instituto ahead 64-60. Then, Emmitt Holt hit a mid-range jumper with 35.7 seconds left on the clock, extending the lead to 66-60) and sealing the win. Minas failed to score in the last two minutes of the game and paid the price.
Player of the game
Lee Aaliya came off the bench, brought energy, and led the Argentine club with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Uruguayan Nicola Pomoli did a little bit of everything, finishing with 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Bautista Lugarini added 10 points and 6 boards. Holt and Álex Negrete each contributed 9 points, while Vildoza had 7, including two of the team’s four three-pointers, along with 5 assists. Minas, missing Dominican player Luis Montero (who left the team), had Jeremy Hollowell leading the way with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Alexandre Paranhos also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards. Rafa Mineiro and Juan Arengo followed with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Stats don’t lie
Instituto made only 4 of 23 three-point attempts, but Vildoza knocked down one of his two in the clutch. Their defense allowed them to come out on top, holding their opponents to just 33 percent shooting from the field (22-67). Minas stayed in the game thanks to grabbing 17 offensive rebounds and dominating second-chance points 19-6. The Córdoba team, despite struggling from beyond the arc, took advantage inside the paint, making 55 percent of their two-point shots (22-40).
Bottom line
Instituto handed Minas their first loss of the season in the BCL Americas. The Belo Horizonte squad had a perfect 6-0 record in the Group Stage. Now, they’ll have to respond on their home court next Wednesday, March 12, when the series shifts.
FIBA