MEDELLÍN (Colombia) – Paisas Basketball Club asserted its dominance early and cruised to a commanding 109-62 win over Caimanes del Llano in an all-Colombian showdown that opened Group A of Season 7 of the Basketball Champions League Americas, played at the Iván de Bedout Coliseum in Medellín, Colombia.
Turning point
Coached by Venezuelan Daniel Seoane, Paisas set the tone in the first half with its defense and went into the break holding a 50-32 advantage. During that stretch, the hosts shot an impressive 58 percent from the field (18-of-31), including 6-of-14 from three-point range (43 percent), while limiting their opponents to just 29 percent shooting (11-of-38).
Player of the game
Luis Almanza led the Paisas offense with 17 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting from the field, as the team had four other players score in double figures.
Eric Crawford added 16 points while going 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Brandon Weatherspoon and Jared Ruiz (8 rebounds) chipped in 15 points apiece. For Caimanes, Jamahl Smith (15 points), Shawn Foxbrennen Jr. (13), Octavio Muñoz (14) and Yildon Mendoza (10) were the top performers.
Stats don’t lie
Paisas maintained its pace in the second half and finished shooting 57 percent from the field, including 12-of-30 from three-point range and 13-of-17 from the free-throw line. Caimanes improved slightly but still managed only 32 percent shooting (23-of-73), which remained well below par. The hosts controlled every facet of the game, with the biggest edge coming in points in the paint. Here, they held a decisive 58-30 advantage.
Bottom line
Paisas (1-0) got off to a perfect start in front of its home fans and temporarily moved to the top of Group A. Caimanes (0-1) will look to bounce back on Wednesday, but faces a tough challenge against group favorite Astros de Jalisco.
They said
Post-game, Almanza explained that the strong start gave his team confidence for the remainder of the game. “The key for us was the intensity we came out with. We know this is a short tournament, and the team that strikes first and keeps its rhythm has a chance to advance to the later stages.” Almanza, who was recently named MVP of the Colombian league finals, also elaborated on his individual form: “I’ve been working toward this and I’m seeing the results, but first and foremost, I thank God for keeping me healthy!”
FIBA