PAYSANDÚ (Uruguay) – Nacional (URU) saved its best for last and defeated Obras (ARG) 75-71 behind a strong fourth quarter at Estadio 8 de Junio in Paysandú, Uruguay. The Uruguayan side wrapped up Stage 1 of the Basketball Champions League Americas 2025–26 Group Phase in perfect fashion, posting two home victories to take the top spot in Group B.
Turning point
Coached by Álvaro Ponce, Nacional trailed after each of the first three quarters (18–17, 39–37 and 58–52), but delivered an excellent collective performance on both ends in the final period, outscoring Obras 23–13. James Feldeine knocked down a floating jumper to give Nacional a 74–71 lead with just 14 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Tyler Sabin missed a potential game-tying three-pointer for Obras. Then, Ernesto Oglivie sealed the win for the hosts with a free throw, setting the final score with 1.4 seconds left on the clock.
Player of the game
Connor Zinaich, who had already played a key role in the win over Flamengo, posted his second straight double-double for Nacional with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Oglivie added 17 points in the victory, while Patricio Prieto followed with 12 points and 8 rebounds. For Obras, Sabin led the way with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Juan Brussino contributed 12 points and Marcos Delía chipped in 10.
Stats don’t lie
Nacional controlled the boards 47–35, including a 20–13 edge in offensive rebounds. This translated into a 15–7 advantage in second-chance points. Both teams struggled from long range. Nacional shot 7-of-23 from three-point territory (30 percent), while Obras connected on just 6-of-30 (20 percent).
Bottom line
Nacional (2–0) completed a successful opening window with two wins, including one over defending champion Flamengo (1–1). The Uruguayan club will head into Stage 2 as Group B leader, with action resuming in mid-January in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Meanwhile, Obras (0–2) will have little margin for error in the next round of games and will be forced to respond, or risk reaching the final stage on home soil.
FIBA