MIAMI (United States) - After being down throughout most of the first half Tuesday night, Biguá roared back after intermission to defeat Minas, 73-62, at Estadio Obras Sanitarias in Buenos Aires (Argentina) – clinching the top spot in Group C of the 2021-22 Basketball Champions League Americas.

In a duel between teams that will be advancing to the Final 8, it looked like the Brazilians would coast to a comfortable victory after opening a 13-point lead early in the second quarter.

However, behind key contributions from their foreign players, the Uruguayans evened out the score by halftime before going off in the third quarter.

Luis Santos led the way with a massive 15-point, 14-rebound double-double and four blocks.

With both defenses shining, Biguá found their way behind superior ball movement (20-10 edge in assists) and making their way to the free throw line.

Donald Sims shot just 6/21 from the field, but his 8/10 at the charity stripe allowed him to finish with a game-high 22 points.

Martín Rojas added 18 points and six rebounds, while Santiago Vidal orquestrated the offense to the tune of nine assists.

Minas was a different team in the second half, scoring just 26 points in the last 20 minutes.

Guilherme Deodato and Shaquille Johnson scored 17 points apiece, but Leonardo Costa’s squad was held to a palty 32.4 percent from the field.

The Brazilians also fouled too much and couldn’t contain Biguá’s transition game, as the Uruguayans enjoyed a 23-11 edge in fast break points.

Minas finished Group C action with a 3-3 record. Biguá (4-1) will face Obras Sanitarias on Wednesday before moving to the next phase of BCLA.

FIBA