FRANCA (Brazil) – The Basketball Champions League Americas reigning champion, SESI Franca, picked up where they left off and began Season 5 with a comfortable 78-59 victory against UdeC, in a Group D match up at the Ginásio Pedrocão.

Lucas Dias, the man who also helped the Franca team win the FIBA ​​Intercontinental Cup title with a last-second basket, shined with 22 points (5-7 in triples) and 8 rebounds, while Charles Hinkle added 16 and Wesley Ferreira 12.

Helinho García’s squad set the tone from the beginning with a great offense both on the perimeter and in the paint, while also holding their opponents on defense. They dominated the first quarter 23-12 and went on a 12-1 run in the second which led them to a 45-21 lead at the half.

In that first half, the home team shot a very high 52 percent (16-31), including 8 of 14 from behind the arc (57%). However, the Chilean team only made 6 of 34 (18%) with 2 of 17 in triples (12%). That contrast in shooting in the initial 20 minutes marked the big difference between both teams for the rest of the game, yet UdeC was able to level with their opponent .

Marquez Letcher had 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, and Daniel Prinsloo added 14 points to lead UdeC.

UdeC and Obras Sanitarias (18:40, local time) will face each other on Thursday, for another Group D match up at the Ginásio Pedrocão de Franca.

FIBA