MONTEVIDEO (DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2017) - Pinheiros began with the right foot and opened Group B of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana with an important 83-76 victory over Quilmes de Mar del Plata.

The Brazilian club showed an absolute mastery in the rebounds struggle, capturing 44 rebounds, while Quilmes only did 28. Corderro Bennett was Pinheiros’ best with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for the victory.

Bennett talked to FIBA.basketball after the victory.

A quick reaction to the Quilmes victory. How important is it to begin this tournament on the right foot?
It’s super important. We go out to play as a team, together, and we showed confidence with each other, specifically during the last part of the game. It was a collective effort, something from what we may build up in this group.

You had an important individual participation with 18 points; how did you feel during the match?
The first half was difficult, but my teammates motivated me to keep shooting and to stay aggressive. And that’s what I did. We stayed on target and shots started to go in, which also brought opportunities for all the team.

Pinheiros is, according to all forecasts, one of the teams that might win this 2017 edition of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana. Before beginning the tournament, they lost Desmond Holloway, who was last season's leader in points. How are you dealing with his absence?
It's tough. Desmond is our leader in the offense. But this is a team and our mindset is to be united. We gave it all against Quilmes, we gave 100%, we planned around his significant absence. That was the key to this victory. We carried his responsibilities while being aware that he will come back and make us even stronger.

What are this team’s expectations after this win?
It’s continuing with the objectives we set before tipoff. This victory can't distract us: we must keep playing and start thinking about Osorno to try to reach that Semi-Final Phase qualification that we came for here in Montevideo. We want to win the three games. That's the objective, as well as defeating Quilmes, who are an elite Argentine team. This is a good clue of what we can accomplish.

How do you describe the experience of playing as a foreign player in a Brazilian team in South America?
This is one of the best experiences of my life. The fans’ support is special. And I love the environment that’s lived here. I adore playing in front of this type of basketball fan. Their passion motivates me, it keeps me up.

FIBA