SÃO PAULO (DIRECTV Liga de las Américas 2019) – The Semi-Finals phase of the DIRECTV Liga de las Américas jumpstarts this Friday, March 8, at Pedrocão Gymnasium in São Paulo, Brazil, where Group E, comprised by Paulistano (Brazil), Capitanes (Mexico), Atenas (Argentina) and hosts Franca will be disputed. The teams will try to grasp the first two places to move on to the Final 4.

Franca are arriving at this phase after overwhelmingly dominating Group B in the first stage, with a 3-0 record. The men led by Helinho Rubens have showcased a superlative performance this season by getting the Paulista Championship crown, the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana championship and by commandeering Brazil’s league with a 19-3 record.

The squad are going through a four-victory streak in their local and are the favorites to qualify to the Final 4 of the DIRECTV Liga de las Américas despite that in theory they won't be counting on one of their main assets, center Rafael Hettsheimeir, who is dragging an injured foot.

Those who will indeed be there are Lucas Dias, Lucas Cipolini, David Jackson, Jimmy De Oliveira, André Goes, Elinho Neto, Alexey, and star small forward Didi, who this past week was recovering his sprained ankle.

At Pedrocão, Franca have only lost one encounter in 15 appearances, including the Brazilian circuit and the Liga Sudamericana.

Franca Stats in the Group Phase:

Individual leaders:
Points: Lucas Cipolini – 16.0
Rebounds: Lucas Cipolini – 7.7
Assists: Elio Neto – 5.7
Efficiency: Lucas Cipolini – 21.3

Atenas de Córdoba, the historic Argentine club, will be Franca's rivals during the first game day. However, their present has lacked good fortune. They currently occupy the last spot in Argentine league with a 3-15 record, including a series of four consecutive losses. Nicolás Casalánguida’s five arrived at this phase with one win and two defeats, but in their tie-breaking attempt for points they took the second place in Group A and with it, the ticket.

This time they hope to get back on track and for this they will feature new faces on their roster; such is the case of shooting guard Xavier Robertson who, in the first phase defended the Titanes de Barranquilla colors. Also debuting is American center Justin Touyo, who averaged 10.7 points and 6.3 rebounds with Italy’s Bertram Tortona of Serie A2.

Among them are veterans Walter Herrmann, Nicolás Romano, Maxi Stanic; and Juan Fernández, Mateo Chiarini and Fernando Martina.

“Although we haven't gotten the (expected) results, we must point out that on the inside the team is doing well, and that's very important. If, apart from the difficult situation we're facing, the team would be having problems, it would be much more complicated. I think that to get out of this situation we must free ourselves, we must play confidently. There’s no doubt in my mind that if we do this and we forget about our bad situation, we can turn this around,” said Martina to Todo Básquet before setting out on their voyage to São Paulo.

Atenas Stats in the Group Phase:

Individual leaders:
Points: Walter Herrmann – 12.7
Rebounds: Nicolás Romano – 6.7
Assists: Juan Fernández – 4.0
Efficiency: Nicolás Romano – 12.0

Meanwhile, Paulistano have been solely focusing on these three encounters because they have only played one game in their league in the last 20 days. So assured coach Regis Marrelli.

“We talk, we train, and we get ready for this Semi-Final. These are three days and three games and they may lead us to a never before seen final. A very balanced technical level and determination will make the difference. We're going to fight,” said the coach.

The São Paulo team were undefeated leaders in Group A and in NBB they are fifth with 14 victories and seven losses. Right now they add two consecutive wins, but before that they had suffered three losses in a row. They have the opportunity to be significant at an international level and they're confident that they have the tools to achieve so, as small forward Leo Meindl said to NBB press.

“We have a great challenge ahead. Our team is very competitive and we like these moments. We have to think on a game to game basis, and it'll be better for us like this. I know our team’s potential and I believe we may qualify to the final phase,” he assured.

Besides Meindl, Paulistano are counting on new and talented players Yago Mateus, George De Paula, Evan Roquemore and Guilherme Hubner, and others.

Paulistano Stats in the Group Phase:

Individual Leaders:
Points: Evan Roquemore – 14.7
Rebounds: George De Paula – 8.7
Assists: Yago Mateus – 7.7
Efficiency: Yago Mateus – 17.3

Capitanes left a positive mark in the initial phase of the tournament and it is evident that they want to make clear that they are a first level organization, despite their short history. The team dominated the regular round in the Mexico league after being leaders of the Southern Conference with a 27-13 record. Now, they are almost set to ensure their qualification to the conference final in their series of first round in the playoffs, 3-0 to their favor, in front of Abejas de León.

Dominican Rigoberto Mendoza, the Mexican tournament's MVP averaging 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists, as well as 53% in field throws and 39% in three-point shots, will have to take on a great responsibility along Cuban center Ismael Romero, who has already showcased his potential in the first phase.

Pedro “Pery” Meza, Daniel Girón, Héctor Hernández, Ernesto Oglivie, Carl Jones, Jonatan Machado and recent addition Jessie López must also take a step forward to give more depth to Spanish coach Ramón Díaz.

Capitanes Stats in the Group Phase:

Individual Leaders:
Points: Ismael Romero – 18.7
Rebounds: Ismael Romero – 8.7
Assists: Pedro Meza – 7.5
Efficiency: Ismael Romero – 21.0

FIBA