Quimsa’s incredible comeback leads them to BCLA Final vs. Flamengo

BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) - A team that is behind a dream must never be counted out, one of playing in the first Final of the Basketball Champions League Americas. Quimsa’s incredible comeback led them to a 110-97 victory over San Lorenzo, in supplementary, to get into Friday's definition, at the Antel Arena, against Flamengo.

San Lorenzo scored first with Maximo Fjellerup's three, and it was full steam ahead on for the squad. Then, the three-pointers stopped, their most used weapon. Boedo's team finished the first quarter with 6-of-11 from the three-point line.

Quimsa relied on the energy of Fabian Ramírez Barrios, who was the backbone of the team in the moments when they needed it most. But then Jose Vildoza and Fjellerup stepped up  to give San Lorenzo a 48-36 lead at halftime.

In the third, San Lorenzo focused on shooting from long range. But Quimsa reinforced their defense, denying them easy access and had smarter possessions. Trevor Gaskins and Brandon Robinson put their rival on the ropes, coming back from a 14-point deficit. By the end of the third it was clear that Sebastián González’s team was back in the game. Robinson scored twice in consecutive plays, with less than ten seconds remaining on the clock.

The last period was crazy. San Lorenzo trying to stay in front and Quimsa running behind but without making hasty decisions. Franco Baralle then made three key three-pointers and together with Ramírez Barrios gave Quimsa the lead. But a missed free-throw by Robinson and a great double by Montero made San Lorenzo force overtime. 

In that overtime, Baralle had two three-pointers, and the leadership of Ramírez Barrios did the rest (both were team leaders with 22 points). Quimsa’s performance in overtime sealed the deal to beat San Lorenzo and advance to the final where they’ll face Flamengo.

The team from Santiago del Estero shined in the important moments, winning the battle of points in the paint (46-34), counterattack (27-15) and those off the bench (42-19), a key piece of information when analyzing Quimsa's triumph. Now, Quimsa wants to be a BCLA champion.

FIBA