San Lorenzo dominates, Las Animas celebrates against San Martin

VALDIVIA (DIRECTV Liga de las Américas 2019) — Champions San Lorenzo (Argentina) started the DIRECTV Liga de las Américas 2019 full steam ahead, sending a clear message after undoubtedly overcoming runners-up Mogi Das Cruzes, 103-78, in the first game day of Group C.

All expectations were set on what appeared to be a head-to-head game, revisiting last year's Final, but the Argentine team set a wide distance, especially during the second half of the duel, thanks to their good defense, precise long-distance shooting, and long roster.

Six players were able to add 10 points or more for San Lorenzo, led by small forward Dar Tucker, who contributed 19. Marcos Mata added 18 (four three-pointers); Nicolás Aguirre, 17 (five three-pointers); Máximo Fjellerup, 16; Joel Anthony, 14; and Uruguayan player Matías Calfani contributed 10.

 

The first 20 minutes were marked by a quick rhythm in the offense by both sides, but Gonzalo García’s men left for the rest with a 48-41 advantage after transforming into nine points the seven losses that their rivals were currently suffering.

In the third act, Tucker’s attack appeared, and the defense limited the Brazilians even more, who in the second part summed 14 losses, to add 21 points in favor of the Argentines. San Lorenzo ended with 24 points to their name after their counterparts’ errors and achieved 15 three-pointers in 32 attempts — which was how the great distance was established.

“We knew that we had to start strong, (but) we didn't imagine that it would be with such a great difference. It's important to start like this. In the second half we improved the defense and kept scoring,” analyzed Nicolás Aguirre, who accompanied his 17 points with six assists.

“We had a long roster, and everyone was focused. There's still more games ahead, so we have to take it one game at a time,” added the point guard.

As for Mogi, power forward Luis Gruber led the attack with 18 units. Point guard Arthus Pecos, for his part, added 15.

“No one thinks about being defeated like this. The difference were the losses. It's difficult to win against a team with so many qualities. We have no choice but to move on and take corrective measures for the next two games. I'm certain that we’ll improve,” said Pecos.

Inspired at home

In the second game of the day, locals CD Las Ánimas played inspired in front of their fans at the Antonio Azurmendi Coliseum in Valdivia, Chile, where they defeated San Martín de Corrientes (Argentina) 74-72.

The game didn't flow in the offense, and the defense's effectiveness and intensity weren’t remarkable. This favored the Chileans, who are more accustomed to this style of play, but the Corrientes players couldn’t find the rhythm.

Brandon Robinson and Arnold Louis led the winners with 25 and 16 points, respectively, including scores that were crucial in the final stretch.

Louis made a three-pointer when 50 seconds were left on the clock, which returned the lead to his team, 70-69. Then, Robinson added two points with 23 seconds left and widened the gap 72-69. Finally, Louis sealed the deal with a pair of free throws with only 11 seconds left, leaving the score at 74-71.

San Martín had another chance when Lucas Faggiano received a technical foul to avoid a three-pointer. The point guard accomplished his first shot from the line, then failed on purpose to seek the possibility of a rebound and a last shot, but the ball was captured by Franco Morales of Las Ánimas, which secured the triumph.

 

“It's an indescribable joy. This is a very challenging group and a tremendous opportunity. The defense was the key. In our league we average as the best defense, and we left them with 72 points. The team respected what we studied, what we prepared. We kept calm during the difficult moments. Now, we must quickly focus on Mogi, who are our next rivals, but our dream is on its way to being accomplished,” evaluated the Argentine coach for the locals, Lucas Zurita.

Lee Roberts, with 22 points and nine rebounds, and Panamanian Michael Hicks, with 16 points, took charge of San Martín’s attack, who did better than their rivals in field shots (42%, and 39% by the Chileans) but, in the end, it wasn’t enough.

“It slipped from our hands in the final minutes. We couldn’t adjust the defense. The credit is theirs because we played the game they wanted to play. But this isn't over. Anything can happen in the remaining games. We have to be more patient, we need to pass the ball more,” said Hicks.

This was the second victory of a Chilean club against Argentina in the history of Liga de las Américas.

On Saturday, San Martín and San Lorenzo will battle in an Argentine duel that will start at 6:40 PM (local game time) and then Mogi and Las Ánimas will face each other.

FIBA