San Lorenzo’s still perfect, Ferro wins first Semi-Final game, Qualified Teams to be decided at the last day

BUENOS AIRES (DIRECTV Liga de las Américas 2018) — The second game day for Group E left all possibilities open for the definition of the teams that will qualify for the Final Four, after Ferro clearly defeating Fuerza Regia, and San Lorenzo and Mogi starring in a well-fought encounter in which the hosts took a close win that maintained their undefeated status in the competition.

In the first game, Ferro dominated Fuerza Regia from start to finish and were able to establish a maximum advantage of 28 points, closing comfortably with an 80-70 win. The Argentine team, under Franco Balbi's captainship, had control of the game and played to their own rhythm. Like this, Ferro now has a 1 triumph and 1 loss mark, and now expects the third day with good possibilities ahead.

For Ariel Rearte’s squad, Balbi was the best scorer, with 19 points and 5 assists. He was joined in the good level by Aaron Haper, with 15 points (11 in a brilliant first quarter), Iván Gramajo (10 points) and Ignacio Alessio (8 points and 8 rebounds). As for the Mexican side, Karim Rodríguez contributed 16 points and was important in the reaction played by Paco Olmos’ squad to, at least, disguise the margin of the defeat that left them with a 0-2 record.

In the evening duel, San Lorenzo had to suffer and battle to take the victory 68-63 against Mogi das Cruzes. Both teams presented a strong defensive game and the Argentine team took the win because they knew how to use small details in their favor and showed a deeper roster (their substitutes contributed 22 points, while the Brazilians did 6). The locals also managed to use counterattacks to their favor (24 points against 7).

For Gonzalo García’s team, Nicolás Aguirre was the most outstanding, with 12 points and 9 assists. Although there were no other great performances, Gabriel Deck, besides not being in his best shape, was important with 9 points. Meanwhile, Dar Tucker registered 10. As for Guerrinha's team, Tyrone Curnell added 25 points and was the game’s best scorer. Shamell Stallworth was not as effective as in other matches (4 of 12 long-distance throws) and contributed 13 points.

An exciting decisive game day awaits us, in which we will know who the first two qualified teams for the Final Four of the 11th edition of Liga de las Américas will be. San Lorenzo (2-0) are the ones that have showed the best efficiency, but the duel against a team that knows them well, like Ferro (1-1) could be dangerous. Mogi (1-1) in the first game, will try to take a big step against a Fuerza Regia (0-2).

FIBA