MIAMI (United States) – Nacional and UdeC delivered historic wins during Sunday night’s action at Basketball Champions League Americas. The Uruguayan club defeated Flamengo to win their sixth consecutive game, a BCL Americas club record, and complete a perfect sweep of Group B. The achievement is even more remarkable considering the team had posted a 5–10 record across their previous 15 games in the competition. Meanwhile, UdeC upset SESI Franca in the final moments to avoid going winless in Group D. The victory snapped a 13-game losing streak, the longest in BCLA history. Here’s a look at the day’s highlights:
Nacional 89 – 79 Flamengo
After finishing the first half tied at 45, Nacional (6-0) opened the third quarter on an extended 21-7 run to take control of the action.
Patricio Prieto went scoreless before intermission, hit 3 three-pointers in the first three minutes of action to break the game open, while James Feldeine took care of the rest. The Dominican guard scored 9 of his BCL Americas career-high 25 points in the period and shot 7-for-12 from the field overall, including a torrid 6-for-11 from beyond the arc. He added 4 rebounds, 6 assists and a pair of steals for a game-high efficiency rating of 30. Connor Zinaich contributed 20 points and 6 rebounds, while Prieto (12) and Agustín Méndez (11) also scored in double digits for the winners, who shot 49.1 percent from the field and 10-for-25 from long distance. Flamengo (4-2) made a run of its own later in the quarter and pulled within 4 points at 65-61, but ran out of steam down the stretch. The Brazilian offense got a 28-18 edge in the paint and a 14-4 advantage in fast break points, but struggled to generate enough offense in the half-court. Alex Negrete led the Flamengo with 17 points on 8-for-11 shooting, adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Franco Baralle, Shaquille Johnson and Kayo Manfio produced 12 points apiece. With the win, Nacional secured first place while Flamengo finished second. Both teams are expected to be among the favorites in the playoffs.
SESI Franca 79 – 80 UdeC
A Stephen Maxwell layup with four seconds left in regulation gave UdeC a historic win against SESI Franca. It was the Brazilian club’s first loss against a Chilean team. UdeC prevailed in a back-and-forth affair that had eight lead changes thanks to a sturdy offense that shot 47.1 percent from the field and 10-for-24 from beyond the arc.
Maxwell led the way with 27 points on 11-for-15. The big man added 9 rebounds and 3 assists for a game-high efficiency rating of 30. He made a intimidating duo with Isaac Hamilton, who produced 23 points on 50 percent from the field while shooting 5-for-10 from long distance. The 31-year-old Hamilton added 8 rebounds and 3 assists and was the only other player in double digits. Center Jerry Evans Jr. chipped in 8 points. Franca fought hard to erase a 10-point deficit earlier in the game and held a 77-72 lead with 2:58 left in the fourth quarter. However, UdeC closed the game on an 8-2 run. David Jackson paced Franca with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Georginho De Paula added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Meanwhile, Juan Laterza (13), Corderro Bennett (10) and Rafa Mineiro (10 with 12 boards) also scored in double digits. UdeC (1-4), already eliminated, will close its campaign against Instituto on Monday. Franca (4-2) had already secured a place in the Quarter-Finals. FIBA