Franca and Instituto showed they're worthy rivals in the Semi-Final Phase

FRANCA (DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana) — Franca (Brazil) and Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba (Argentina) showed that they are two rivals that must be watched at the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018, after their performance in Group A, which took place until last Thursday at Franca’s Pedrocão Gymnasium.

The Brazilian squad ended as the undefeated leaders after defeating Leones de Quilpué (Chile) in the tournament's inauguration, 90-63; then Aguada (Uruguay), 96-75, and in their last appearance they secured the group’s leadership after overcoming a close duel against Instituto, 82-80.

“It’s a special moment for me. Living a Sudamericana against Franca game, playing at Pedrocão, in front of our fans, and guaranteeing the first place of the group. That shows that we're on the right path and growing every day. This result motivates us and brings us a lot of confidence,” said Franca’s coach, Helinho García, to his club's communications department.

Throughout the quadrangular, the team from São Paulo seemed superior to the rest of their rivals. In the offense, they averaged 89.3 points per game. Instituto were the closest team, with an average of 77.0 per encounter.

The ball movement and their good distance effectiveness were lethal weapons for the Franca quintet, who averaged 13.6 in three-pointers per game, with a 41% (100-41) in achieved goals. They also averaged 17.0 in assists and 38.3 in rebounds.

“Our team played completely united. Even in the most difficult and complicated moments. We had ups and downs, but we were victorious,” said power forward Lucas Dias, the second-best scorer for Franca, with 12.3. David Jackson was the leader, with 16.7.

A positive start

Córdoba’s Instituto took the second place in Group A and the other ticket to the Semi-Finals phase, with a 2-1 record. It has been a positive streak for the Argentines, since this tournament is their debut on an international level.

“It's very important for us and for the club to be able to achieve this qualification, because this is the first international tournament we are playing. The games were very hard, against experienced rivals.” said power forward Facundo Piñero to the team's press.

Instituto, like Franca, achieved their pass to the next stage during the second day of the competition. They first defeated Aguada, 75-68, and on the next day, they sealed their qualification after beating a challenging Quilpué, 76-70. During the last day they hardly gave way to the Brazilians, in a difficult game that was decided at the last minute.

Luciano González demonstrated that he is at a very good level after being summoned by the Argentine national team in the most recent window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers for China 2019, commandeering the team with 18.0 points per game. “Faca” Piñero also was outstanding, with 15.3 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Leones (1-2) remained in third place after defeating Aguada (0-3) in the last day, 87-83. This result keeps the Chilean team with an option of qualifying, since the best third team of groups A, C and D will also advance to the Semi-Finals.

The DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018, where the Horacio Muratore Cup is at stake, will continue Tuesday, October 9, with the action of Group B at Macas, Ecuador.

FIBA