URU - Trouville thumped by Libertad Sunchales in Group B opener

MONTEVIDEO (Liga Sudamericana) - Argentinian outfit Libertad Sunchales fell short in their bid for glory in the inaugural FIBA Americas League, with Liga Nacional rivals Penarol snatching glory in the event instead.

But Libertad, who finished sixth in that event, look to be among the favorites in the Liga Sudamericana after starting their Group B campaign with a resounding 88-70 triumph over hosts Trouville on Monday.

Robert Battle poured in 26 points in 25 minutes and also grabbed 15 rebounds for Libertad, who blew open a close game in the third quarter.

Leading 37-35 at half-time, they outscored Trouville 31-17 over the next 10 minutes to take a commanding 68-52 advantage into the final quarter and then cruised to an 18-point victory.

Battle was unstoppable, making 11 of 12 (91.6%) shots inside the arc while as a team, Libertad made 26 of 42 (62%).

Andres Pelussi also scored 20 points for Libertad while Trouville got 19 points from Thurman Zimmerman.

In the other Group A game, Flamengo steamrolled Millonarios de Bolivia 121-43. The Brazilians were in control with a 27-14 lead by the end of the first quarter, a lead they stretched to 59-25 by the interval.

Flamengo shot 72% (44 of 61) inside the arc, and out-rebounded their opponents 44-27.

Brazil international Marcelinho Machado scored 19 points while Eduardo Duda Machado led Flamengo with 22.

FIBA