BELO HORIZONTE (Brazil) – SESI Franca secured a key 98-90 road victory over Minas Tenis Clube in Game 1 of their Basketball Champions League Americas Quarter-Finals series and will now have two chances at home to clinch a spot in the Final Four.
Turning point
Back-to-back baskets by Corderro Bennett and David Jackson halted Minas’ strong comeback in the fourth quarter and gave Franca a decisive 94–86 lead with just 32 seconds remaining. Minas refused to give in and cut the deficit to five (95–90) with a three-pointer from Jordan Williams with 27 seconds left, but the earlier baskets from Bennett and Jackson prevented a more dramatic finish.
Player of the game
Cristiano Felicio nearly recorded a double-double with 18 points and 9 rebounds. The center delivered in key moments whenever the home team attempted to close the gap. Lucas Dias grabbed 5 rebounds to become the all-time leading rebounder in BCL Americas history with a total of 296. He could soon become the first player to surpass the 300 mark. Dias also scored 20 points, including four three-pointers.
Jackson contributed with 20 points and 5 assists. For Minas, Williams (6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals) and Alexandre Paranhos (7 rebounds and 1 block) led the way with 20 points apiece.
Stats don’t lie
Franca knocked down 15 three-pointers and scored 20 second-chance points, which proved enough to offset Minas’ dominance in the paint (44–28).
Bottom line
Franca head coach Helinho Rubens reached 49 games coached in the competition and is now just one away from tying Gustavo Conti (50) as the all-time leader. This all-Brazilian Quarter-Finals series will resume on Wednesday, March 11, at Franca’s home court, the Pedrocão Gymnasium.
FIBA