San Lorenzo handles Franca, clinches spot in Final 8

BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) – No one seems to be able to stop the flight of the Cuervos.

San Lorenzo uncorked a 17-6 run in the last 7:55 of the game to defeat Franca, 73-68, Monday night at Estadio Obras Sanitarias, securing a spot in the Final 8 with a pair of games to still be played.

 

 

The Argentines labored through a tough, back-and-forth affair and found themselves down by 5 points heading into the final stanza before the duo of José Vildoza and Roberto Acuña brought them back from the brink.

Vildoza led the way with 21 points on (4/9 from beyond the arc) and 7 assists.

 

 

However, it was Acuña’s perfection that fueled San Lorenzo’s run.

The 30-year-old center was 5/5 from the field, scoring 6 of his 10 points in the fourth.

 

 

For a while it seemed like Franca was gearing up to hand San Lorenzo its first loss, as the Brazilians opened up an 8-point lead in the first half.

With Elio Neto at the controls, the paulistas were in front for most of the night. Elinho finished with 10 points and 9 assists.

Veteran big man Lucas Dias added 17 points and six boards, while Rodney Green led the way with 18, including an impressive breakaway layup while holding onto a contact lens that had popped out moments earlier.

 

 

In the end, San Lorenzo’s slight edges in threes and free throws made plus a 19-10 advantage on points off turnovers wound up being the difference in a game that had eight lead changes.

Silvio Santander’s squad now sits alone atop Group C and will advance to the next phase of the 2021 Basketball Champions League Americas no matter what happens in the final window later this month.

Franca (1-2) plays Obras Sanitarias (0-3) Tuesday night for the chance to virtually lock the other spot in the next round.

Can the host team stave off elimination?

 

FIBA