RIO DE JANEIRO (DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018) - The second Semi-Final Group of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018 kicked-off with Instituto de Córdoba (Argentina) and Minas Tenis Clube (Brazil) taking steps forward to capturing the ticket to the Final after earning important victories.

At the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Instituto de Cordoba surprised Flamengo with a 91-84 slate, and ruined the party that the Cariocas wanted to put together for their fans.

The Argentine squad showed great personality and from the start looked like a complicated opponent for the home team, with its orderly defense and effective decision making.

The good effectiveness in the shots from long range and free throws, allowed those led by Facundo Müller to take advantage in the third quarter and then keep it throughout the second half, despite the reactions of the rival.

In total, Instituto launched for 43% in three-pointers (from 28-12) and for 81% in free-throws (from 21-17).

The forward Facundo Piñero with 21 points and six baskets from three-point land, was the leader of the Cordoba attack. Santiago Scala followed with 18 points and four three-pointers, while Uruguayan Leandro García Morales added 15 (5-5 from the penalty area).

For Flamengo, Marquinhos stood out with 23 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Deryk Ramos added 14.

In the second match of the day, the power forward Wesley Ferreira scored a reversed lay-up with 40 seconds left to give the victory to Minas Tenis Clube, 67-66, over Bauru.

Before Wesley's basket, forward Jefferson De Andrade missed two crucial free throws with one minute to play for Baurú. Then the player had another chance with 30 seconds on the scoreboard, but he did not hit a shot.

Larry Taylor had one last agonizing shot from half court for Baurú, with just two seconds, after Jefferson Campos missed two free for Minas; however, he did not succeed.

With the victory, Minas stopped a two-game losing streak that the team had against the paulistas, one in the Group Stage, and the other in the Brazilian league, just over a week ago.

Wesley led the winners with 20 points. Campos and Dominique Coleman contributed 13 and 12 goals, respectively. For Baurú, the Argentine Enzo Ruiz finished with 17 units and Lucas Mariano left 16 points and nine rebounds.

This Wednesday, the day will begin with the commitment between Minas and Flamengo from 19:15 (local time). Later Instituto will clash with Baurú.

FIBA