Instituto is one step away from the Final and Flamengo still has options

RIO DE JANEIRO (DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana) - Instituto de Córdoba (Argentina) remains the only undefeated (2-0) team of the second Semi-Final Group of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018 after overcoming Baurú (0-2), while Flamengo recovered by defeating Minas Tenis Club (both with 1-1), in the second day of the group.

The Argentine team overwhelmed the "Dragon" by 83-59 and is at a favorable position to advance to the Final, because it is the only team that depends on itself.

With one more triumph, those led by Facundo Müller would reach the ticket, while Flamengo and Minas, apart from winning, would need another combination of results.

Gonzalez commanded the offense with 17 goals and Gaston Whelan added 16, with seven assists.

Jefferson De Andrade was the only one with double digits in points (14) for Baurú.

Earlier in the day, Flamengo recovered from the first day setback and defeated Minas Tenis, 91-76, to maintain its aspirations of reaching the Final.

The home team, despite the difference, had to make a great effort to control the game permanently.

With 5:12 minutes to go, Minas went up 72-68 with a double by Dominique Coleman, but after a timeout of coach Gustavo de Conti, the cariocas regained their defensive focus and the offense began to flow with the driving of Deryk Ramos and the efficiency of Marquinhos, who scored 14 of his 23 points in the last quarter.

Flamengo's run in the final five minutes was 19-8 to leave the opponent without options.

Marquinhos in addition to leading the attack, added seven rebounds and five assists. Anderson Varejao and Ramos escorted him with 17 and 15 accountants, respectively.

On Thursday, Instituto will play against Minas and Bauru will face Flamengo

FIBA