CÓRDOBA (DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana 2018) – Instituto de Cordoba, Argentina defended its home court and forced the third and definite game of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana Final, after a 79-68 win over Franca of Brazil, at the Ángel Sandrín Stadium.

Point guard Santiago Scala commanded the offensive of the Cordoban team with 21 points and five three-pointers, while power forward Facundo Piñero added 15 points.

Marcos Louzada Silva "Didi", contributed 20 points and Rafael Hettsheimeir summed 14 points for the team from Franca. Both players came from the bench.

Instituto came to the game with a clear goal and fulfilled it. Coach Facundo Müller had stated that he had to lower the score of the opponent and after having allowed more than 90 points in the first match of the final, this time they left the opponent below 70.

Unlike the first match that was played in Brazil, in which both teams gave a recital of offensive execution, now the pace was slower. Emotions and nervousness prevailed in the decision-making process and the field goal percentages decreased (Institute launched for 40% and Franca for 37%). Much had to do also with the noisy fans that created an exciting and colorful environment.

The locals, under the great atmosphere, started dominating the first quarter by 22-10; However, in the second period "Didi" appeared as a revulsive with 16 of his 20 points and four three-pointers, to put the Paulistas at the front of the scoreboard 35-34 at half-time.

In the third period was Scala who charged "La Gloria" with 11 points and three three-pointers to return his team to a 60-54 advantage. In the fourth quarter, both teams kept battling evenly and with 4:51 left in the clock, Hettsheimeir equaled the actions to 64 with a three-point play.

Instituto closed the game better, with the opponent racking-up fouls and in the final period the home team made 11 free throws.

The victory was sentenced with a three-pointer from Gastón Whelan with 1:26 minutes to play, giving the advantage to his team by 77-67.

The third and definite game of the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana Final will take place this Friday on the same court, starting at 20:30 local time. The winner will celebrate with the Horacio Muratore Cup and will earn a spot at the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas 2019.

FIBA