BUENOS AIRES (DIRECTV Liga de las Américas 2018) — At Polideportivo Roberto Pando, in the Argentine city of Buenos Aires, the Semi-Finals stage of the 11th edition of Liga de las Américas began —with the highest level of basketball. Mogi das Cruzes and San Lorenzo won in this first game day.

In the first game, Mogi took the victory with a very balanced duel against Ferro, winning 74-68. The Brazilian team demonstrated their experience and individual superiority in the key moments of the game, and thus, managed an essential win in their objective of qualifying for the Final Four.

For Guerrinha’s squad, Shamell Stallworth (18 points), Larry Taylor (17) and Curnell (13) were once again fundamental players in the game. Mogi’s greater effectiveness rate in three-point shots (41.4%, while Ferro had 25%) was determining for the success of the team from São Paulo. For Ferro, the great offensive performance by Franco Balbi and Mauro Cosolito (both with 19 points) was not enough.

As for the evening game, San Lorenzo overcame Fuerza Regia, 83-59, in a game that was even during the first half, but then the hosts had absolute control during the second half. The third quarter, which the Argentine side won 29-14 was the one that marked the definitive distance.

Besides the brilliant individual performance by Marcos Mata, who registered 24 points and 9 rebounds, San Lorenzo showcased their collective power and were able to impose their longest rotation. A great difference was marked by the effectiveness rate in their two-point shots: 64.3%, against Fuerza’s mere 33.3%. The most outstanding for the Mexican roster was Denis Clemente, with 13 points.

During the second game day, there will be clashes between teams that already played against each other in the first stage of the competition. Ferro will face Fuerza Regia, while San Lorenzo will do so with Mogi. The four teams dream with the Final Four, and the losing teams of the first game day will need a triumph that give them better chances. The winners will try to give the second step that take them much closer to playing the tournament’s defining stage.

FIBA