ARG/BRA – Gutierrez MVP as Obras clinch title

BUENOS AIRES (Liga Sudamericana) – With Argentina coach Julio Lamas pulling the strings and national team big man Juan Gutierrez scoring and rebounding, Obras Sanitarias clinched their first Liga Sudamericana crown over the weekend.

Obras clinched the championship with an 88-73 triumph over Pinheiros de Brasil.

Gutierrez had 16 points and nine boards for Obras, who built a 45-31 lead by half-time advantage and kept their noses in front the rest of the way although Pinheiros did close the gap to seven points with three minutes remaining.

Brazil national team sharpshooter Marquinhos Vieira had 18 points for Pinheiros but was just two of eight from long range.

Pinheiros had beaten defending champions UNICEB in the Semi-Final while Obras had overcome Atenas de Cordoba.

By winning the Liga Sudamericana, Obras have qualified for the FIBA Americas League.

They will play in Group B against Bucaneros de la Guaira, Regatas Corrientes and a team to be determined from Mexico.

"I'm happy for the club, having won something important after all these years," Lamas said. "We're happy, we will enjoy it a lot.

"We have won the traditional South American competition by winning all seven games. It's a mixture of happiness shared with players, coaches, family and fans."

Gutierrez was among the eight players recently confirmed by Lamas in Argentina’s pre-Olympic Squad.

FIBA