MIAMI (United States) – SESI Franca (BRA) once again showcased its powerful offense on Friday, overpowering Instituto (ARG) to draw even atop Group D of the Basketball Champions League Americas 2025–26. Both teams have already secured their spots in the Quarter-Finals and will decide the group winner in the final stage. Meanwhile, Aguada (URU), with its back against the wall, rose to the occasion and defeated Boca Juniors (ARG) at “La Bombonerita” to keep its hopes alive in Group C. Here’s a look at the day’s highlights:
SESI Franca 110 – 80 Instituto
At home, SESI Franca (3–1) completed a perfect second stage of the Group Phase with another dominant performance, this time against Instituto (3–1). In the win at the Ginásio Pedrocão, power forward Lucas Dias grabbed 4 rebounds to reach 291 in his BCL Americas career. He is now tied with Ismael Romero for first place on the competition’s all-time rebounding list. Coached by Helinho Rubens, Franca had poured in 120 points in Wednesday’s win over UdeC, the most in a single game in BCL Americas history. The team followed it up by punishing Instituto with 110 to avenge the loss back in December. The hosts came out firing and took control early with a 31–13 run in the opening quarter, continuing to extend their dominance throughout the game. Franca knocked down 18 of 35 three-point attempts for an impressive 51 percent. While turnovers were relatively even (13 to 17), the Brazilians capitalized, scoring 35 points off turnovers compared to just 6 for Instituto. They also held a commanding 31–6 edge in fast-break points.
Georginho De Paula led the winners with 19 points (5 three-pointers), 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Cristiano Felicio followed with 17 points and 16 rebounds, the third-highest rebounding total in a single BCL Americas game. David Jackson (16 points), Lucas Dias (14), Luis Rodríguez (12), Juan Laterza (11) and Corderro Bennett (10) also reached double figures. Instituto allowed the most points in its BCL Americas history, and was led by Anton Cook with 23 points (4 three-pointers). Gastón Whelan added 17 points and 7 assists, while Javier Saíz scored 12 and Jerson Caicedo posted 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Boca Juniors 84 – 88 Aguada
Aguada (1–3) needed a win to stay alive in Group C and, fully aware of the stakes, delivered its best performance. The team controlled the game and silenced Boca Juniors (2–2).
A three-pointer by Santiago Vidal gave the Uruguayan side an 87–82 lead with 42 seconds remaining. Boca tried to answer from deep through Lucas Faggiano, but the attempt fell short. Donald Sims sealed the outcome at the free-throw line, pushing the lead to 88–82 with 16 seconds left. Vidal finished with the highest efficiency rating of the game (23). He posted a double-double of 13 points and 12 assists, along with 5 rebounds and 2 steals. He became the first player in BCL Americas history to record at least three games with 12 or more assists. Earl Clark paced Aguada with 22 points (4 three-pointers), while Sims and Luis Santos (10 rebounds) added 16 points apiece. Santos now has 10 career double-doubles in BCL Americas. He ranked second in the category behind Eric Anderson and Ismael Romero, who are tied at first with 11 each. Aguada built its advantage with a strong first half by taking a 46–34 lead. Although Boca rallied in the third quarter to briefly move ahead (56–55 and 58–57), the Uruguayans kept their composure down the stretch to secure their second win in eight all-time BCL Americas appearances.
Sebastián Vega led Boca Juniors in scoring with 18 points. Michael Smith added 15 points and 6 assists. Francisco Cáffaro recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Faggiano and Agustín Barreiro (9 rebounds) chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively. Group B will be in action this weekend in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with defending champion Flamengo hosting the games. Check the full schedule here.
FIBA