VILLAVICENCIO (Colombia) – Paisas Basketball Club (COL) took control in the opening quarter and sustained an up-tempo offensive rhythm throughout the game. The team claimed a comfortable 107-91 victory over Caimanes del Llano (COL) in Group A action of the Basketball Champions League Americas.
The Medellín squad secured second place in the group behind Astros de Jalisco (MEX) and punched a ticket to the Quarter-Finals, where they will face Nacional (URU), who have already locked up first place in Group B.
Turning point
Paisas set the tone with a strong first quarter, opening up a 28-17 lead and never relinquishing control of the scoreboard. Late in the third period, Caimanes trimmed a 21-point deficit (69-48) down to seven (71-64). Sebastián Valencia poured in 13 points in the stretch. However, Paisas quickly restored a double-digit cushion (76-64) and opened the final quarter with a decisive 16-6 run to extend the lead to 92-70, effectively putting the game away with 5:36 remaining.
Player of the game
Paisas’ four imports carried the load, with each scoring at least 20 points. Eric Crawford led the way with 22 points, including 4 three-pointers and 9 rebounds. Michael Miles (7 boards), Brandon Weatherspoon (6 assists) and Jared Ruiz (9 assists) added 20 points apiece. Along with Veteran John Hernández, chipping in 13 points.
Valencia stood out for Caimanes, with 25 points and 13 rebounds. He was followed by Shawn Foxbrennen Jr., who posted 24 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Octavio Muñoz added 11 points and seven assists.
Stats don’t lie
The key difference in favor of the Antioquia side was shooting efficiency. Paisas connected on an impressive 57 percent from the field (39-of-69), including 12-of-30 from beyond the arc (40 percent). Caimanes shot 43 percent overall (35-of-82) and struggled from long range, hitting just 7-of-36 (19 percent).
Bottom line
With Astros (4-0) and Paisas (2-2) already qualified and Caimanes (0-4) eliminated, Group A will move to Guadalajara, Mexico. The final stage of the Group Phase will begin on February 10. BCL Americas action continues on Wednesday with the remaining games in Group C.
FIBA