Quimsa use fast start as launchpad for Game One victory at Mogi

MOGI DAS CRUZES (Brazil) - Quimsa flashed their title credentials once again on Wednesday night by winning 90-84 at Mogi das Cruzes in the first game of their best-of-three Basketball Champions League Americas Quarter-Final series.

The club from Argentina established control in the first quarter by going on a 15-2 run and went on to pour in 55 first-half points en route to victory, their second in Brazil this season. They also won at Sesi Franca in the Group Phase on November 26, 82-74.

The Santiagueños hit the ground running and always looked to make the extra pass to get good shots. While Brandon Robinson scored 15 of his 23 points in that first half for Quimsa, Juan Brussino pulled the strings at point guard. He had five assists to go with his 11 points before the break. Brussino flirted with a triple-double late in the contest before finishing with 19 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Brandon Robinson, who had 23 points for Quimsa, guards Mogi playmaker Danilo Fuzaro

It was a tough night for Mogi, and not just because of the score. Making matters worse was a left knee injury that forced Luis Gruber off the court.

The veteran power forward had played just over 16 minutes and scored 11 points before his night came to an early end.

It the second half, as Quimsa continued to move the basketball on offense in a bid to find open shots, they maintained their hegemony. Despite being outscored 20-17 in the third quarter, the visitors went into the last 10 minutes leading 75-53.

Mogi saved their best for last. Guard Danilo Fuzaro stepped up his game in the backcourt and André Goes provided scoring, reeling off eight consecutive points as Mogi drew closer. When Alexandre De Souza drew a foul with 5:17 remaining and made one of two free-throws, the hosts only trailed, 78-71.

Quimsa's Robinson and Mauro Cosolito celebrate late in the contest

The Santiagueños, led by Brussino, stopped the bleeding and went back in front by as many as 13 points before walking off the court as opening game winners.

Quimsa will now return home and go for a sweep on Sunday in the Santiago del Estero. If needed, a decisive third game will be played, also in Argentina, on Tuesday.