RÍO DE JANEIRO (Brazil) – The most crucial stage of Basketball Champions League Americas Season 6 is here. The Final 4 will take place at Estadio Maracanazinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on April 18-19, looking to crown the new champion, who will compete in September’s FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore.
The first Semi-Final will feature an Argentinian duel: Boca Juniors against Instituto. This will be the first Final 4 for both teams, but the outfit from Cordoba knows what it is to reach these stages. In Season 1, playing under a different format, they finished in the Top 4.
Key matchup
The Vildozas. José on Boca’s side and Leandro for Instituto. Despite their teams not being completely dependent on them, they play key roles. When José has it going on offense, he’s capable of taking Boca to another level. But when he’s not, the Buenos Aires club struggles a lot more. Meanwhile, Leandro inspires his teammates on the defensive end and has shown on many occasions that he’s capable of hitting big shots.
Across the BCL Americas season, José is averaging 11.8 points and 4.6 assists, second on the team in both categories. Leandro averages 7.0 points per game on a scorching-hot 54 percent from beyond the arc while leading his team with 4.4 assists.
X factor
Sebastián Vega (10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists) for Boca and Bautista Lugarini (11.0 points, 4.9 boards and 1.1 blocks) for Instituto really shined during the Quarterfinals. The one who maintains that level could make the difference for his team. Another key factor is the battle inside. Boca has the power of Colombian Andrés Ibargüen (14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds) and the experience of Marcos Delía (8.6 points and 4.3 rebounds). Javier Saiz (9.7 PTS and 4.0 REB), who’s back in action after missing 2 months due to injury, and Emmitt Holt (9.0 PTS and 3.8 REB) will have their work cut out for them anchoring Instituto’s paint.
Stats don’t lie
Boca’s depth has the potential to be the difference-maker in this matchup. They feature several different options on offense and that proved true throughout the season. They’re averaging 85.4 points per game (No. 2) against Instituto’s 76.1 (No. 8). Their bench (31.4 points per game) is also one of the best of the competition, but Instituto’s averages a very respectable 24.7.
Previous matchups
This will be the first time they go head-to-head in BCL Americas, but they already played each other twice this year (in regular season play and the Copa Súper 20 final). Boca won both games.
FIBA