FRANCA, BRAZIL – Sesi Franca Basquete overpowered Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba 89-68 on Saturday night, solidifying their position in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA). The victory moves Franca to a 4-1 record in Zone D, while Instituto falls to 3-2.
The game, played at the Ángel Sandrin gymnasium in Córdoba, saw a dominant performance from Franca, spearheaded by American power forward David Jackson. Jackson delivered a stellar performance, racking up 23 points (6-of-13 from two-point range, 1-of-6 from three, and a perfect 8-of-9 from the free-throw line), along with 9 rebounds and 2 assists in 30 minutes of play. He was well supported by Corderro Bennett, who contributed 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for the Brazilian side.
Instituto struggled to contain Franca’s offense, despite a strong effort from forward Tomás Monacchi. Monacchi led Instituto with 12 points and an impressive 11 rebounds in 32 minutes. However, his individual performance wasn’t enough to overcome Franca’s balanced attack and overall efficiency.
This result has implications for the group standings and potential playoff matchups. Instituto is currently positioned to finish second in the group, which would likely pit them against Boca Juniors in a future round. The competition within Zone D is fierce, and every game carries significant weight as teams vie for favorable seeding in the knockout stages.
Elsewhere in the BCLA, Santeros de Aguada (0-5) suffered another defeat, losing 77-73 to Montevideo National (5-0) at the Núñez Rock Temple. The game was decided in the final seconds by a clutch three-pointer from Montevideo National’s Luciano Parodi with just 15 seconds remaining, giving his team a 75-73 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Connor Zinaich was the standout performer for Montevideo National, posting a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Andrew Corum led the scoring for Santeros with 20 points and 6 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their fifth consecutive loss. Santeros are already eliminated from contention.
Looking ahead, Franca will conclude their group play on Sunday, February 9th, . Instituto will then take on the Chilean team on Monday, February 10th, . These final games will be crucial in determining the final standings and seeding for the playoffs.
The Basketball Champions League Americas continues to showcase high-level competition between some of the top basketball clubs in the Americas. Franca’s dominant win over Instituto serves as a reminder of their championship aspirations, while Montevideo National’s victory further solidifies their position as a top contender. The upcoming matches promise to be exciting as teams battle for playoff positioning and the chance to compete for the BCLA title.
David Jackson’s performance was particularly noteworthy, demonstrating his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His scoring efficiency, rebounding prowess, and playmaking ability were key factors in Franca’s victory. He continues to be a focal point of Franca’s offense and a player to watch as the BCLA season progresses.
For Instituto, the loss is a setback, but they remain in a position to qualify for the playoffs. Their ability to bounce back and secure a favorable matchup will depend on their performance in their remaining games. Tomás Monacchi’s strong rebounding performance is a positive sign, but they will need more consistent offensive contributions from other players to compete with the top teams in the league.
The BCLA is gaining momentum as a premier basketball competition in the Americas, attracting talented players and passionate fans. The league’s commitment to showcasing high-level competition and providing a platform for emerging talent is contributing to its growing popularity. The upcoming games promise to deliver more exciting action and compelling storylines as teams battle for supremacy.
