RIO DE JANEIRO (Brazil) – Nacional (URU) capitalized on Obras’ defensive struggles in the first half and built a commanding early lead on its way to a 90-74 victory in Group B action of the Basketball Champions League Americas, played at the Maracanazinho Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
With the win, Nacional remained unbeaten through three games and secured its place in the Quarter-Finals, while Obras fell to 0–4 and was eliminated from contention. As a result, defending champion Flamengo (2–1) also clinched a Quarter-Final spot on its day off.
Turning point
Nacional laid the foundation for the win in the opening half, asserting control on both ends of the floor. Over the opening 20 minutes, the team shot 60 percent from the field (18-of-30), knocked down 5 of 10 three-pointers and went 15-of-19 from the free-throw line. This opened up a 56–35 halftime advantage. Obras struggled to match Nacional’s intensity and failed to defend without fouling. On offense, the Argentine club turned the ball over nine times in the half, which converted into 14 points for Nacional. The team coached by Guido Fabbris had allowed Flamengo to shoot 71 percent from the field in the first half the previous day, and defensive issues resurfaced again over the opening 20 minutes, leading to an early exit from the competition.
Player of the game
Connor Zinaich, who posted the highest efficiency rating during the opening stage, continued his strong form and led Nacional with 15 points and 8 rebounds.
Ezequiel Bell added 14 points off the bench, while Patricio Pietro and Agustín Méndez chipped in 11 points each. Luciano Parodi dished out 6 assists. For Obras, Pedro Barral finished with 15 points and 6 assists, followed by Federico Zezular and Juan Brussino with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Stats don’t lie
Nacional’s physical advantage was evident on the glass. The team dominated the rebounding battle 38–23 and outscored Obras 46–28 in the paint. They also got to the free-throw line 33 times (making 23), compared to just 16 attempts for Obras. The Argentine side wasted 18 possessions and was outscored 23–7 in points off turnovers. Nacional’s rebounding edge also translated into an 18–2 advantage in second-chance points.
Bottom line
Nacional recorded three straight wins in the BCL Americas for the first time in its history, while Obras has now dropped six consecutive games—its second-longest losing streak in the competition. Flamengo and Nacional will meet at the same venue on Monday, with the Brazilian club looking to avenge its December loss in Paysandú, Uruguay.
FIBA