ASUNCION (DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018) - Franca of Brazil and Libertad Sunchales of Argentina won on the second day of the first Semi-Final Group of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018, and as a result the first Finalist of the Liga Sudamericana will be determined on the last day of the group.

Franca returned to show all its power in the SND Arena in Asunción, Paraguay, by defeating the host Olimpia Kings 78-62.

Rafael Hettsheimeir and Marcos Silva "Didi" took the offensive baton for the Paulista team with 17 and 16 units, respectively.

Those led by Helinho Rubens finally took control when they established a 14-point lead (44-30) at the end of the second quarter. From then-on they kept their opponent at bay, although in some passage of the last quarter the host managed to reduce the distance to less than 10 points.

Again, the attack from long distance was key for Franca with 16 three-pointers.

Eric Dawson with 19 points and 11 rebounds and Juan Pablo Cantero with 16, were the most outstanding for Olimpia.

This result left the Brazilians undefeated in two presentations, while Olympia moved to 1-1 and Libertad Sunchales, who on the first game of the day defeated Quimsa 78-73, to remain with chances of qualifying to the Finals of the Liga Sudamericana.

Juan Cangelosi dressed as a hero for "El Tigre" when he stole a ball from Torin Francis and then scored a three-pointer that put his team ahead 76-73, with 17 seconds left.

In the next action, Quimsa tried to score the same way, but Mainoldi’s shot didn’t go in. Then, Courtney Fells caught the offensive rebound; however, he slipped and lost the ball, which diluted the hopes of his squad.

Martín Cuello, who finished as the top scorer with 17 points, put the victory in lock for Sunchales after scoring two free throws with three seconds left.

Agustín Caffaro added 12 points, Diego Figueredo 11 and Cangelosi 10, in the balanced attack shown by the winners.

For Quimsa, who is now out of contention, Juan Ignacio Brussino stood out with 18 points and Carlos Schattmann had 12.

This Thursday, Sunchales and Franca will play in the first game of the day, while Olimpia will face Quimsa.

If Franca add a third victory, they will achieve the qualification to the Finals of the Liga Sudamericana. If on the contrary Libertad wins, we will have to wait for the result of Olimpia, team that with a victory would generate a three-way tie and we would have to review the difference in points between the teams involved in the tie.

FIBA