BELO HORIZONTE (Brazil) – Defending champion Quimsa (2-4) claimed the final spot in the 2024-25 Basketball Champions League Americas Quarterfinals after defeating Biguá (1-4) 75-71 in a decisive matchup for second place in Group B on Sunday at Arena Minas Tênis Clube in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
With this result, the Quarterfinal matchups—set for March—are now confirmed: Real Estelí (A1) vs. Boca Juniors (B2) SESI Franca (D1) vs. Quimsa (C2) Minas (C1) vs. Instituto (D2) Flamengo (B1) vs. Paisas (A2) The Quarterfinals will be played in best-of-three series under a 1-2 format, with Game 1 hosted by the lower-seeded team and Games 2 and 3 (if necessary) at the higher-seeded team’s home court. Winners will advance to the Final 4.
Turning Point
Point guard Juan Brussino took over in the final moments, scoring Quimsa’s last nine points to seal the victory. First, he knocked down a three-pointer to put his team ahead 69-68 with 1:18 remaining. Then, with just 12 seconds left, he converted a tough layup over the defense to break a tie and give Quimsa a 71-69 lead. Finally, he sank four consecutive free throws, keeping the final margin at four points, with 7 and 3 seconds remaining, respectively.
Player of the Game
Brussino had just four points and was shooting 1-for-9 from the field before stepping up in the final minute. With those clutch nine points, he finished as Quimsa’s top scorer with 13 points (6-6 FT).
Tavario Miller added 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Federico Zezular chipped in 10 points for the Argentine squad. For Biguá, Andre Spight (23 points) and Juan Tello (18 points, 12 rebounds) led the scoring efforts.
Stats Don’t Lie
Despite struggling offensively—shooting just 37% from the field (24-65) and missing 9 free throws (23-32)—Quimsa’s ball control proved to be the difference. The Argentine side committed only 7 turnovers, compared to 14 by the Uruguayan squad, and capitalized with an 18-11 advantage in points off turnovers. Additionally, Quimsa’s bench outscored Biguá’s 28-9, playing a key role in the victory.
Bottom Line
With this win, Quimsa keeps its hopes alive of becoming the first back-to-back champion in BCL Americas history. However, heading into the Quarterfinals against SESI Franca, the team will need significant improvements, as they barely advanced despite finishing the group stage with a losing record. Biguá, now eliminated, will close out its campaign on Monday against Group C leader Minas (5-0). FIBA