FIBA Americas league – Universo/BRB, Halcones win on opening day of Final Four

XALAPA (FIBA Americas League) - Universo/BRB overcame Brazilian rivals Minas Tenis Clubé while hosts Halcones Xalapa beat Bigua and on the opening day of FIBA Americas League Final Four action in Mexico.

Universo were pushed to the limit in Friday’s opener by Minas Tenis but finally prevailed 90-80 with Brazil international Valtinho scoring 22 points.

Minas trailed 17-8 late in the first quarter with Universo duo Valtinho and Arthur Luiz hitting shots from long range, and Rafael Rodrigues and Estevam causing them problems down low.

A Luiz Felipe three-ball and a three-point play by Andre accounted for a 6-0 run at the start of the second quarter as Minas battled back and made it 20-18.

Universo ended up taking a 35-33 lead to half-time with Valtinho's nine points a team high.

Luiz Felipe's 11 points for Minas led all scorers at the break.

The two sides exchanged blow for blow in the third quarter before Minas finally went in front.

Another Luiz Felipe three-pointer - one of his three in the game - put Minas on top at 59-55 with just over a minute to play in the third quarter and early in the fourth, a Soró Pinto three made it 65-61 in favor of Minas.

Universo proved resilient, however, and excellent play by Valtinho, Diego, Alex and Arthur brought them back and they eventually went in front for good.

Next up on Saturday for Universo is a clash with Bigua of Uruguay, who were beaten 100-91 by Halcones Xalapa in the second game despite getting 29 points from Leandro Garcia Morales.

Samuel Bowie, who made all four of his attempts from long range, and Abdul Mills each had 21 points as Halcones used a balanced scoring attack to prevail.

Bigua led 38-36 at half-time but Xalapa went on a 21-5 run over the first six minutes of the third quarter to take command for good.

Bigua received an 18-point, 13-rebound effort from their 2004 Olympic gold medal winner Ruben Wolkowyski. The big man even drilled both of his shots from long range.

Gustavo Ayon had 15 points while Luis Pulido Dontae Truitt contributed 12 apiece for Halcones.

Halcones take on Minas Tenis on day two.

FIBA