SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO (Argentina) – SESI Franca left the door open for Quimsa in the final moments, but the reigning champion couldn’t capitalize, and the Brazilian squad secured a 71-69 road victory at Estadio Ciudad. With this win, Franca takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three BCL Americas Quarterfinals series.
Turning point
David Jackson had the chance to seal the win for SESI Franca, but he missed two free throws with 10.7 seconds left, leaving the score at 71-69 and giving Quimsa one last shot. Agustín Pérez then missed a three-pointer for Quimsa, and the Brazilians escaped with the victory. Quimsa entered the final five minutes of the game leading 64-60, but Franca responded with a 10-0 run to take a 70-64 advantage with just 32 seconds remaining. The Argentine side got a lifeline from a Brandon Robinson three-pointer (70-67), but the earlier run proved decisive.
Player of the game
Didi Louzada led Franca’s offense with 21 points (3 three-pointers). Jackson followed with 14 points, and Wesley Ferreira added 12.
Robinson, last season’s Final 4 MVP, made his season debut for Quimsa and played as if he had never left. The forward finished with 26 points (6 three-pointers), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Tavario Miller contributed 17 points.
Stats don’t lie
Franca shot just 38 percent from the field (24-64) and struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 4 of 24 attempts. They were also outrebounded 42-34 but capitalized on Quimsa’s 18 turnovers, converting them into a 21-10 advantage in points off turnovers. The Brazilians also took full advantage of the free-throw line, making 19 shots from the stripe compared to Quimsa’s 9.
Bottom line
Franca will have the chance to close out the series at home on March 12, but they cannot afford to underestimate the reigning champions.
FIBA