MIAMI (United States) – Instituto (ARG) kept its perfect record in Group D, improving to 3–0 with a win over UdeC (CHI). It is now the first team to qualify for the Quarter-Finals of the Basketball Champions League Americas 2025–26. As a result, the Chilean side was eliminated from contention. SESI Franca (BRA), which had the day off, also advanced to the next round.
In Group C, Minas Tenis Clube (BRA) responded after its loss to Boca Juniors (ARG) by defeating Aguada (URU) to reclaim first place. Here’s how Thursday’s action unfolded in the BCL Americas:
UdeC 76 – 98 Instituto
Instituto (3–0) posted its highest scoring output in BCL Americas history and defeated UdeC (0–4) at the Ginásio Pedrocão in Franca, Brazil, to remain atop Group D. UdeC got off to a strong start and briefly led 12–7, but Instituto debutant Anton Cook checked in and immediately changed the game. The guard scored 11 points, including 3 three-pointers, and sparked a 26–17 lead. Instituto would not relinquish the advantage the rest of the way, steadily extending its control. Cook led the offense with 22 points, shooting 5-of-11 from beyond the arc. Nicolás Copello also stood out with 18 points (a personal best in the competition), along with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. Javier Saíz added 14 points and 8 rebounds, Tomás Monacchi followed with 13 points and 7 boards, and Vicente Garello chipped in 12. Leandro Vildoza handed out 7 assists.
Instituto has now won three straight games in the continental competition for the first time. It capitalized on 16 UdeC turnovers and held a 20–10 edge in points off mistakes. Coached by Sebastián González, the Argentine side also dominated inside. The team scored 56 points in the paint compared to 34 from its opponents. UdeC extended its BCL Americas losing streak to 13 games. Imports Stephen Maxwell and Isaac Hamilton did not play on Wednesday; however finished with 22 and 10 points, respectively. Diego Silva added 20.
Minas Tenis Clube 95 – 75 Aguada
At the Luis Conde Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Minas (3-1) delivered a strong performance on both ends of the floor and cruised past Aguada (0-3). It marked its ninth win (eighth straight) against Uruguayan opponents. The Belo Horizonte-based club won every quarter, leading 24–21, 52–36 and 73–55. This was built on a structured offensive display that saw them shoot 52 percent from the field (32-of-62), including 12-of-28 from three-point range (43 percent), and 19-of-24 from the free-throw line. For the first time in their last 14 BCL Americas games, they topped the 90-point mark. Defensively, Leo Costa’s squad also executed at a high level, recording 12 steals off the 15 turnovers committed by Aguada. That translated into a 21–7 advantage in points off turnovers.
Rafael Rachel led Minas with 19 points, as five players scored in double figures. Juan Arengo (4 three-pointers) and Alexandre Paranhos (9 rebounds) added 16 points apiece, while Ricardo Fischer and Jordan Williams chipped in 13 and 10, respectively. Aguada has managed only one win in seven all-time BCL Americas appearances. Center Luis Santos finished with 23 points, and Federico Pereiras followed with 13. Agustín Zuvich (9 rebounds) and Earl Clark scored 10 each. Groups D and C return to action this Friday. Check the game schedule here.
FIBA