QUERETARO (Mexico) - Minas were able to eliminate Libertadores from the 2022-23 Basketball Champions League Americas Quarterfinals after completing the two-game sweep by picking up a 93-84 road win at Auditorio Jose Luis Arteaga.

Shaquille Johnson and Lucas Faggiano combined to outscore Libertadores by themselves after one quarter, 16-15, and they each also knocked down two three-pointers. One of Faggiano's threes was a deep shot at the buzzer.

Minas extended their lead out to 20 points at halftime (56-36) thanks to some hot shooting by the road team, as they sank 10 threes.

The third quarter was a completely different story, as Libertadores outscored Minas 29-14 to cut their deficit to only five points. Ismael Romero paced the comeback for Libertadores, scoring 12 points in the quarter.

The hope for a possible comeback was ended, as Minas got back on track and quickly got their lead back to double figures, never letting their lead slip for the rest of the fourth quarter.

Minas were led by Johnson who finished with a team-high 21 points along with 8 assists and 4 rebounds. The 8 assists were a season high for the 32-year-old guard.

Three other players scored in double figures including Faggiano (13 points, 3-of-5 3P), Alexey Borges (11 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals) and Wesley Ferreira (10 points, 8 rebounds).

Romero did all he could to give Libertadores a chance with his 30-point, 10-rebound double-double, also chipping in 3 steals and 2 assists. The 31-year-old center shot an efficient 12-of-16 from the field.

Elijah Holman and Branden Frazier each added 18 points for Libertadores and were the only other two players to reach double figure scoring for the team from Mexico.

The difference in the game came down to three-point shooting, with Minas making 13-of-30 shots from beyond the arc, while Libertadores only got 5-of-23 shots to fall. 

Since Minas have completed the sweep of Libertadores, a Game 3 won't be necessary. The Brazilian club will face the winner of the Quarterfinals series between Flamengo and UdeC, as Flamengo currently lead that series 1-0.

FIBA