ASUNCIÓN (DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana) - Olimpia of Paraguay and Franca of Brazil took important steps in the Semi-Final Phase of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018 after earning victories at the SND Asunción Arena during the first day of the Semi-Finals.

Olimpia celebrated before its fans after capturing an 86-84 win over Libertad Sunchales Argentina.

The home team dominated the first part of the match by 49-36 with an offense that was for 66% (from 31-20) effective from the field, including 10-7 in three-point shots, five of those from the hands of Anthony Young.

However, in the second half, Libertad made the adjustments and at the close of the third quarter approached 65-64, leaving the table served for an exciting last period.

Gabriel Peralta was decisive for locals to take two free throws with 17.6 seconds remaining, which gave a three-point (85-82) advantage to his squad.

Libertad had its chance in the next attack; However, Martín Cuello missed his shot from long range and Rodney Green finished sentencing in favor of the Paraguayans.

At the end of the match a confusing situation arose after Sunchales claimed to the referees that their rivals had six men in court and that they should be sanctioned with a technical fault, but the claim did not prosper.

In the first game of the day, Franca made it clear that he will be a very difficult opponent in the group when they outscored Quimsa (Argentina) 93-76.

The paulista set showed a solid game and was protected in its great effectiveness from long distance to dominate the rival. Those led by Helinho Rubens scored 16 3-pointers in 29 attempts for an impressive 55% success.

Didi (Marcos Silva) and David Jackson commanded the attack with 19 points each.

The Brazilians were effective in making decisions and that led them to take a resounding advantage at halftime (45-30). Quimsa had some peaks between the third and fourth period, even approached six points (72-66) missing 5:25 minutes in the last act, but Franca regained the offensive rhythm and sentenced the game in favor of the Brazilian club.

This Wednesday, on the second day of this first Semi-Final Group, will feature the battle between the Argentinians Quimsa and Libertad, and the match-up that will pit Franca against Olimpia.

FIBA