MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Real Esteli and Halcones de Xalapa battled it out in a tightly contested game until the home team pulled away for an 80-70 win.

The biggest lead in the game was only 9 points until the very end when Real Esteli briefly extended their lead out to 12 points. The two teams alternated winning quarters, but Real Esteli won the final 10 minutes 27-17.

Emmitt Williams had a strong BCLA debut for the victors, recording 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line.

Real Esteli only shot 26.7 percent from three-point range, but found more success from two-point at 64.3 percent. They also forced 20 turnovers and turned them into 26 points.

Veteran guard David Cubillan posted a team-high 17 points and 3 steals for Halcones de Xalapa, while Brian Conklin added 16 points in defeat.

Real Esteli, who open up at 1-0 in Group A, play next on December 18, while Halcones de Xalapa begin 0-1 in the group and will play again on Sunday night.

FIBA