CORRIENTES (DIRECTV Liga de las Américas 2018) — The start of the second Semi-Finals group brought the first great surprise of the eleventh edition of Liga de las Américas, with the victory of Estudiantes de Concordia aganst twice-champions Guaros de Lara. Meanwhile, Regatas Corrientes showed how strong they are when they play at home and overpoweringly defeated Bauru.

In the day's first game, Estudiantes took Guaros’ undefeated status, winning 87-73, thanks to a decisive defense and the offensive contribution of their quartet of foreigners, who made 70 of the Argentine team’s 78 points. In this opportunity, Lucas Victoriano did not rotate his team as usual and managed a great victory.

For the winning roster, as we said, Anthony Smith (21 points), Jasiel Rivero (20), Clay Tucker (16) and David Doblas (13) were the most outstanding. Also determining was the difference in two-point percentages that favored the team from Entre Rios: 63.6% against the Venezuelans’ 39.5%. Luis Bethelmy was Fernando Duró’s most important offensive weapon, with 19 points (6/11 in 3PTS).

In the evening duel, Regatas surpassed Bauru, 92-84, in a game in which the host team took the lead when 6 minutes were left in the first quarter, and never let it go. The team from Corrientes had a very good 67.7% in two-point shots, while the Brazilians only did 40%; and also clearly dominated the rebound struggle, 41 to 22.

Paolo Quinteros, with 26 points, added another brilliant night to his great career (2/3 in 2PTS, 5/8 in 3PTS and 7/7 in free throws). At 39 years of age, the shooting guard is still a determining factor. Another player who performed excellently was Brandon Thomas, who is debuting in this competition, with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Bauru used losses to their advantage, and claimed 23 points in that manner, while Regatas only achieved 2. For Demetrius’ squad, Alex García, with 21 points and Rafael Hettsheimeir, with 17, were noteworthy.

During the second game day there will be clashes between teams that have already faced each other in the competition's first phase. Bauru and Guaros will seek their first victory in this stage to try to recover their illusion of qualifying to the Final4: their great objective. Meanwhile, in the match between Argentine teams, Estudiantes will want to surprise once again while Regatas will try to sustain their stronghold in their stadium.

Another passionate basketball evening is coming our way.

FIBA