PAYSANDÚ (Uruguay) – Defending Basketball Champions League Americas champion Flamengo (BRA) rebounded in its second appearance of the young Group B campaign, pulling out a hard-fought 84–80 victory over Obras (ARG) at Estadio 8 de Junio in Paysandú, Uruguay. After falling in its opener against Nacional (URU), the “Mengão” needed a response to avoid an early hole in the standings—and delivered.
Turning point
With 15 seconds remaining, Álex Negrete knocked down a free throw to push Flamengo’s lead to 81–78. Moments later, Pedro Barral missed a potential game-tying three-pointer for Obras and on the next possession, Gui Deodato sealed the win for the Brazilian side with a three from beyond the arc. This stretched the margin to 84–78 with just four seconds left on the clock.
Player of the game
Negrete led the winners with 19 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Shaquille Johnson followed with 14 points, including three triples, while Markeith Cummings added 11.
For Obras, Tyler Sabin paced the offense with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Federico Zezular finished with 10, as did point guard Nicolás Brussino, who also handed out 7 assists. Barral chipped in 7 assists also. With those seven dimes, Brussino reached 204 career assists in BCL Americas, becoming the competition’s all-time leader, surpassing fellow Argentine Franco Balbi. Brussino, two-time champion with Quimsa (ARG), is also the only player to have appeared in all seven editions of the tournament and now holds the record for most games played, with 51.
Stats don’t lie
Obras shot 50 percent from the field (32-of-64) and controlled the paint, outscoring Flamengo 40–32 inside, but its 12 turnovers proved costly. Flamengo capitalized with a 17–6 edge in points off those mistakes. The win marked Flamengo’s 47th victory in BCL Americas play, further extending its lead in that category. SESI Franca and Quimsa follow with 31 wins each. Flamengo’s 33 rebounds were the second-lowest total in club history in BCL Americas.
Bottom line
With Sunday’s win, Flamengo evened its Group B record at 1–1, while Obras (0–1) returns to action on Monday against host Nacional (1–0) at 7:10 p.m. local time.
FIBA