Liga Sudamericana – Obras win in triple OT over Cucuta-Norte; Flamengo prevail

CUCUTÁ (Liga Sudamericana) – Flamengo and Obras Sanitarias won their opening day games in the Liga Sudamericana on Tuesday.

Brazilian giants Flamengo, beaten finalists in last year's competition, hammered Cocodrilos de Caracas 105-80 while Argentinians Obras Sanitarias edged Group A hosts Cucuta-Norte 106-103 after three overtimes.

Cocodrilos began well and led 20-15 following a shot from the arc by Eddie Elisma, only for the Rio de Janeiro club to battle back and knot the game at 24-24 at the end of the first quarter following a basket by Jefferson and a three-ball from Helio Da Costa Lima.

Flamengo stormed into a 15-point advantage (52-37) late in the first half and held the upper hand for the remainder of the game.

Brazil international Marcelinho poured in 24 points with Jefferson contributing 21 and Duda Machado, Marcelinho's younger brother, 16.

Elisma scored 23 for Cocodrilos.

Flamengo now take on Obras Sanitarias, who ended day one in thrilling fashion with their triple OT triumph.

A basket back Cucuta-Norte's Eduardo Torres tie the contest at 78-78 and forced the first overtime.

Cucuta-Norte almost won the game in the second overtime but Gabriel Cocha scored just as time expired for Obras to level the showdown at 99-99.

The tournament hosts then ran out of steam in the final extra period and scored just four points while Obras hit key shots at the free-throw line.

Cocha had a game-high 30 points for Obras, who also got 23 from Lazaro Borrell and 15 from Tyler Field.

Enielsen Guevara scored 29 led Cucuta with 29 in defeat.

FIBA