PUR – Capitanes at long last in Final Four

ARECIBO (FIBA Americas League) - It took four attempts but Puerto Ricans Capitanes de Arecibo have made it to the FIBA Americas League Final Four.

The Puerto Rican team has returned home from Veracruz, Mexico, where they and Group E hosts Halcones Rojos took the top two spots to progress with defending champions Penarol of Argentina and Brazilians Flamengo missing out.

Halcones Rojos are led by Puerto Rico's former national team boss, Manolo Cintron.

David Rosario has decided to give his players a well-earned break but the team will be back at work soon and try to be in top form as they chase the FIBA Americas League title, with the Final Four set for the beginning of March.

"We are just going to take two days off to rest and will return Thursday to practice with four-hour daily sessions that include weight training, individual workouts, team practice sessions and intra-squad games,” he said.

"Much work remains."

Capitanes know they have a real opportunity to make some headlines.

Capitanes playmaker Pachy Cruz knows at least one game will be tough in the Final Four.

"In the case of the Mexican team (Halcones Rojos), it's a good team and playing them at their home was very difficult,” he said.

"You have to keep preparing well for this type of team because they are not only talented, but are in great condition, while we're just trying to get our rhythm," he said.

Now Regatas Corrientes, Quimsa (both Argentinian clubs) Uniceub/BRB (Brazilian) and Halcones UV Xalapa (Mexican) will go for the qualification from Group F, which will be played February 11-13 in Corrientes, Argentina.

FIBA