SAO PAULO (DIRECTV Liga de las Americas 2019) - Paulistano of Brazil remained the only undefeated team, with a 2-0 record, in Group A of the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas, after defeating Malvín de Uruguay by 78-62 (0-2), on the second day of competition at the Antonio Prado Júnior gym in Sao Paulo.

The North American Evan Roquemore, with 25 points and five triples, was the leader of the attack of the Paulistas, followed by the point guard Yago Mateus, who contributed 14 points and eight assists and forward Leo Meindl added 10 and seven rebounds.

The host managed to get the difference in the second half of the commitment, after they went into halftime with a 38-34. In the second half, those led by Régis Marrelli, made adjustments in defense to tip the balance in their favor.

"It was a well-fought first half. We knew we had to improve in defense for the second half, we dominated the rebounds, we attacked with more tranquility and there we took advantage to ensure the victory," said Meindl after the game.

Center Hatila Passos with 17 points and seven rebounds and Nicolás Mazzarino with 14 points, were the most effective for the Uruguayan team, who despite adding their second setback still have the possibility to advance to the Semi-Final Phase.

"We lacked energy in the second half. The shots did not go in. Tomorrow (Sunday) we have to defend better. We have lacked in the two games to impose rhythm, we have to improve that to be able to dream of a qualification", evaluated the Greek Fotios Lampropoulos, who finished with a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Minutes earlier, in the first match of the day, Titanes de Barranquilla (1-1) gave the surprise and made history by becoming the first Colombian team to achieve a triumph in the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas, after defeating Atenas de Córdoba (1-1) by 79-76.

The barranquillera troop showed intensity and better defensive disposition during the 40 minutes.

The work in attack of Xavier Roberson and Austin Freeman, who contributed 24 and 21 points respectively, was crucial for the conquest.

Michael Sneed showed cool blood by scoring two free throws with eight seconds left to give the Titanes the definitive advantage. Atenas had their chance to force overtime with two seconds remaining, but forward Nicholas Romano missed an open three-pointer from the corner.

"We knew we had to go hard. We focused on defense. We learned from the defeat. We evaluated, corrected and concentrated on our strengths. For us it is a pride this victory because we know we have the level, "analyzed center Hanner Mosquera, who led the defense of the Titanes with five blocks.

For Atenas, Mateo Charini stood out with 21 points and the experienced Walter Herrmann added 15.

"The defeat hurts, we could not play collectively, but we still have a chance to qualify. They ran well and they won the game, they have the merit," analyzed Charini.

For this Sunday, on the last day of the group, all the teams maintain possibilities of advancing to the next phase. In the first game of the day, Malvin will face Titanes and then it will be the turn of Atenas vs Paulistano.

FIBA