Brazil's Sesi Franca clinch historic FIBA Intercontinental Cup title after instant classic Final in Singapore

 

SINGAPORE (Singapore) - Brazilian club Sesi Franca emerged victorious from one of the most dramatic battles in competition history, 70-69 over Germany's Telekom Baskets Bonn, to celebrate their first ever FIBA Intercontinental Cup title in the state-of-the-art Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

A buzzer-beater by forward Lucas Dias lifted the reigning Basketball Champions League Americas champions over their European opponents and gifted the trophy of the 33rd edition to Sesi Franca.

Sesi Franca presented with the trophy by FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani

The Brazilians celebrated on their third attempt to capture the coveted FIBA Intercontinental Cup silverware, following defeats in the Finals in 1975 and 1980.

David Jackson, who dished the assist to Dias for the game-winner and averaged 17 points, 5.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game in Singapore, was voted tournament MVP by the accredited Media.

Ian Mahinmi, FIBA Intercontinental Cup ambassador and former NBA champion, was on hand to present the Sesi Franca veteran with the MVP award.

MVP David Jackson presented with the award by Ian Mahinmi

In another historical first on Sunday, two days after becoming the first Chinese club to participate in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls became the first Asian team to step on the podium as they prevailed 81-74 over the Basketball Africa League champions, Egypt's Al Ahly, in the Third-Place Game.

NBA G League Ignite signed off on a high note in Singapore against Bahrain's Al Manama, after they pulled away from the FIBA West Asia Super League champions in the final three minutes of the game for fifth place to secure an 80-60 win.

FIBA Intercontinental Cup Singapore 2023 was a historic milestone in competition history, becoming the first edition to be hosted in Asia and the first to feature Asian clubs, in addition to teams from the Americas, Africa and Europe.

The competition also returned to be staged in September, so that it adapts more efficiently to the domestic and continental leagues' calendar, and expanded the field of contenders to six teams, the most it has featured since 1987.

Real Madrid are the most successful club in FIBA Intercontinental Cup history, having won the trophy on five occasions.

###

About FIBA Intercontinental Cup Singapore 2023
FIBA and Sport Singapore entered a three-year partnership that brings the FIBA Intercontinental Cup to Asia for the first time. Singapore Sports Hub is the venue of choice, providing the stage for the 33rd edition of the event, from September 21 to 24, 2023. FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2023 will see six participating basketball clubs battling it out on the court for the coveted FIBA Intercontinental Cup trophy. The event is organised by Kallang Alive Sport Management supported by partners Basketball Association of Singapore and Sneakertopia, and sponsored by EVA Air (Official Airline), Pan Pacific Singapore (Official Hotel), Rigorer (Official Apparel) and 100Plus (Official Hydration). Singapore’s national media network, Mediacorp is the official broadcaster for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

About Sport Singapore
As the national sports agency, Sport Singapore’s core purpose is to inspire the Singapore spirit and transform Singapore through sport. Through innovative, fun and meaningful sporting experiences, our mission is to reach out and serve communities across Singapore with passion and pride. With Vision 2030 – Singapore’s sports master plan, our mandate goes beyond winning medals. Sport Singapore uses sport to create greater sporting opportunities and access, more inclusivity and integration as well as broader development of capabilities. Sport Singapore works with a vast network of public-private-people sector partners for individuals to live better through sport. To find out more, visit SportSG’s websites at www.sportsingapore.gov.sg and www.circle.myactivesg.com/stories.

About Singapore Sports Hub
Singapore Sports Hub is an iconic, premier destination offering sporting, entertainment and lifestyle experiences for all to enjoy. This world-class development is managed by Kallang Alive Sport Management Co Pte Ltd (KASM). It offers programming that comprises international, recreational and competitive events, live entertainment as well as activities that cater to the broader community. The Singapore Sports Hub aims to serve the sporting and entertainment needs of people from all walks of life. For more information, please visit the Singapore Sports Hub website.