MIAMI (United States) – Instituto (ARG) needed overtime but ultimately outlasted SESI Franca (BRA), securing first place in Group D of the opening stage of the Basketball Champions League Americas Season 7. Meanwhile, in Group C, Minas Tênis Clube (BRA) made a strong debut with a resounding victory over last season’s runner-up, Boca Juniors (ARG). Here’s how Thursday’s action unfolded in the BCL Americas:
Instituto 93 – 89 SESI Franca
A clutch three-pointer by Tomás Monacchi with 26 seconds left in overtime, followed by two free throws from Leandro Vildoza with 0.8 on the clock, sealed Instituto’s win over SESI Franca at the Casa del Deporte Gymnasium in Concepción, Chile. The Argentine side snapped a four-game BCLA losing streak against Franca and improved to 2–0, clinching first place in Group D for this initial phase. Instituto had to come from behind to take this crucial win. They trailed by 10 (71–61) with seven minutes remaining, but Gastón Whelan sparked the comeback, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter to set up a tight finish. Vildoza then knocked down two free throws to tie the game at 79. On the defensive end stopped Rafael Mineiro to force overtime.
In the extra period, SESI Franca briefly regained the lead (89–88) on a three-pointer by David Jackson with 43 seconds left. But Monacchi answered from deep, and on the next possession, the Brazilian team missed a long-range attempt by Juan Laterza and a close-range putback by Mineiro after an offensive rebound. Vildoza secured the ball and went to the line to put the game out of reach. Javier Saiz was limited by foul trouble, but led Instituto with 18 points in just 27 minutes. Whelan followed with 17 off the bench, Monacchi added 14, and Nicolás Copello chipped in 13 along with 6 assists. Keylan Boone grabbed 10 rebounds. Another key factor for Sebastián González’s squad was its dominance in the paint, outscoring Franca 52–30 in that area. For SESI Franca (0–1), Georginho De Paula (5 assists) delivered 24 points, tying his BCLA career high. Jackson added 23 (5-of-8 from three) and reached 635 career points in the competition, moving into fourth place all-time, surpassing Ismael Romero (628).
Bocas Juniors 61 – 80 Minas Tenis Clube
In the second game of the day in Group C, Minas played a strong second half and, in its debut, handed Boca Juniors (1–1) a decisive defeat at Estadio 8 de Junio in Paysandú, Uruguay. The Brazilian club went on a massive 29–4 run from the middle of the third quarter—when it trailed 47–37—through the middle of the fourth, taking a 66–51 lead with six minutes remaining and never looking back. Jordan Williams led Minas with 16 points and 5 rebounds as four players reached double digits. Juan Arengo added 14, while Wini Braga and Erik McCree each scored 13.
The bench was another difference-maker: Minas’ reserves contributed 37 points compared to just 17 from Boca’s. The Argentine team also committed 20 turnovers, which led to 24 points for its opponent. Michael Smith paced Boca with 19 points, while Wayne Langston added 10. The first stage for Groups D and C wraps up this Friday. Check the game schedule here.
FIBA