Group D ends with Guaros de Lara victory against Bauru, both qualify for Semis
BAURU (DIRECTV Liga de las Américas) - Group D of the eleventh edition of Liga de las Américas came to a close when the only thing left to do was to know the spot the two qualified teams were to occupy. The triumph of Guaros over hosts Bauru gave the Venezuelan team the first place in the qualification.
Although both teams had their spot secured for the second phase, Guaros and Bauru played an exhilarating game that caused the public to reverberate in Panela de Pressão Gymnasium. The experience of the twice Americas champions helped them close the game in a better position, taking home the victory 93-88.
For the winner, a quintet of outstanding players distributed the scoring among themselves: Diego García (19 points), Néstor Colmenares (18 and 11 rebounds), Heissler Guillént (16), Luis Bethelmy (16) and Gregory Echenique (14). The game’s highest scorer was Renan Lenz, with 21. Bauru, without a doubt, missed their stars Álex García and Rafael Hettsheimeir. They will meet again in the next phase, although when that time comes, it will be different because both team will have all of their players available.
Earlier in the day, Correcaminos de Colón said farewell to the tournament with at least a smile on their faces after a 79-74 victory against San Salvador BC. The Panamanian side featured an exceptional pair of guards: Scott Rodgers (22 points) and Trevor Gaskins (18 points, 7 assists). San Salvador BC left their first participation in Liga de las Américas with 3 losses, but with a lot of experience for the future.
With the group phase resolved, Liga de las Américas will continue on Friday, March 2 in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the beginning of the Semi-Finals. Group E will play at the San Lorenzo stadium, where they will welcome Ferro (Argentina), Fuerza Regia (Mexico) and Mogi das Cruzes (Brazil). Meanwhile, Group F's venue is still to be decided, but is scheduled for March 9 and will feature Regatas Corrientes (Argentina), Estudiantes de Concordia (Argentina), Guaros de Lara (Venezuela) and Bauru (Brazil).
FIBA
