Regatas de Corrientes - Flamengo 73:65
Argentinean Regatas de Corrientes claimed the Liga Sudamericana title beating Brazilian Flamengo in the fifth decisive game at home. Regatas proved strength in front of almost 5,000 spectators at the Jorge Contte Stadium in Corrientes. Regatas became the ninth Argentinean team to clinch the Liga Sudamericana title. The Final series were full of intrigue as Regatas jumped to a 2-0 lead and seemed to cruise towards the championship title.
Regatas de Corrientes - Flamengo 73:65
Argentinean Regatas de Corrientes claimed the Liga Sudamericana title beating Brazilian Flamengo in the fifth decisive game at home. Regatas proved strength in front of almost 5,000 spectators at the Jorge Contte Stadium in Corrientes. Regatas became the ninth Argentinean team to clinch the Liga Sudamericana title. The Final series were full of intrigue as Regatas jumped to a 2-0 lead and seemed to cruise towards the championship title. But Flamengo recovered well in Rio de Janeiro and leveled things up. The series returned to Argentina for the vital battle. But here Regatas did not give too many chances for the visitors. The hosts grabbed a 24:18 lead after the starting frame and dominated the pace. A balanced offense was the key to success. Regatas de Corrientes stretched the lead to 11 points. Flamengo could not the proper answers for tight defense from the home side in the third stanza and Regatas easily kept the visiting team at bay. Finally Flamengo raised the tempo in a desperate effort to save the game. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) was impressive once again but received little help from his teammates. Flamengo trimmed the deficit but fell short of a desired result. Alejandro Montecchia (180-G-72, agency: Interperformances) provided 14 points and 8 boards for Regatas. Ramzee Stanton (193-F-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: W.Chester) nailed 14 points and Javier Martinez (189-G-78) scored 13 in a winning case. Marcelinho Machado dropped game-high 35 points for Flamengo. Helio Lima (186-G-81) accounted for 10 points in defeat.
Flamengo - Regatas Corrientes 86:79
Flamengo survived both games in Rio de Janeiro and forced the decider on April 29 back in Corrientes. This time Flamengo got their hero in Fred Santos (181-G-80). The 28-year-old guard exploded with game-high 28 points to propel Flamengo to the vital second win in the Final series. His sizzling performance helped the hosts to acquire a 25:22 lead at the first intermission.
Flamengo - Regatas Corrientes 86:79
Flamengo survived both games in Rio de Janeiro and forced the decider on April 29 back in Corrientes. This time Flamengo got their hero in Fred Santos (181-G-80). The 28-year-old guard exploded with game-high 28 points to propel Flamengo to the vital second win in the Final series. His sizzling performance helped the hosts to acquire a 25:22 lead at the first intermission. The Brazilian team kept on mounting the pressure and stretched the advantage to 11 points at the interval. Flamengos defense closed Ramzee Stanton as he nailed just 6 points in the game. It prevented Regatas of threatening hosts lead seriously in the second term. Flamengo headed into the last frame 13 points ahead and eased to an overall win at the end. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) and Helio Lima (186-G-81) scored 17 points apiece for Flamengo. Fernando Coloneze (207-C-78) added 12 points in a winning case. Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, college: E.Carolina) notched 21 points for Regatas. Javier Martinez (189-G-78) knocked down 16 points and dished out 6 assists in defeat. The home team outrebounded Regatas 38:26 and forced the visitors to 20 turnovers. Flamengo converted 44% from the field, while the Argentinean team answered with 46% accuracy. The series now move back to Argentina for the decisive fifth game.
Flamengo - Regatas Corrientes 98:79
Flamengo stayed alive in the final series against Regatas Corrientes beating the Argentinean side at home in Game 3. The teams travelled to Rio de Janeiro with Regatas enjoying a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Flamengo had their backs against the wall but fought fiercely and forced at least the fourth game in the final. The hosts jumped to a sizzling start as they dominated every facet of the game and piled up a 33:18 lead.
Flamengo - Regatas Corrientes 98:79
Flamengo stayed alive in the final series against Regatas Corrientes beating the Argentinean side at home in Game 3. The teams travelled to Rio de Janeiro with Regatas enjoying a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Flamengo had their backs against the wall but fought fiercely and forced at least the fourth game in the final. The hosts jumped to a sizzling start as they dominated every facet of the game and piled up a 33:18 lead. The Brazilian team kept on pushing and the tension grew higher in the clash. However it all worked in favor of the home team as Flamengo accumulated a 21-point cushion before the second half. Regatas Corrientes finally adjusted their game and began clawing their way back into contest. They trimmed the deficit by 2 points in the third stanza and tried to step closer at the final stages. But Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) on the court Flamengo never allowed the visitors to arrive at the striking distance finalizing a confident win. Marcelinho Machado was impressive with 44 points and 6 assists for Flamengo. He was ejected in Game 1 of the series and then missed the second one but his help proved vital for Flamengo in this one. Helio Lima (186-G-81), Alirio de Souza (208-C-77) and Fernando Martins (199-F-80) netted 11 points each for the winners. Ramzee Stanton (193-F-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: W.Chester) answered with 17 points for Regatas. Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, college: E.Carolina) provided 16 points in a losing effort. Flamengo had an obvious advantage on the boards outrebounding the visitors 42:24. The hosts shot 44% from the field and committed only 8 turnovers during the game. A could-be decisive fourth game is scheduled for today at the Pabellon Maracanazinho.
Regatas Corrientes got to a perfect start of the Liga Sudamericana Final series. They beat Flamengo twice in Argentina and now fly to Brazil in need of a single victory to decide the series. The first game was an overwhelming display of Regatas dominance as they had an advantage in almost every component of the encounter. The Argentinean team fired down their opponents 31:18 in the first stanza and kept rising the pressure down the stretch.
Regatas Corrientes got to a perfect start of the Liga Sudamericana Final series. They beat Flamengo twice in Argentina and now fly to Brazil in need of a single victory to decide the series. The first game was an overwhelming display of Regatas dominance as they had an advantage in almost every component of the encounter. The Argentinean team fired down their opponents 31:18 in the first stanza and kept rising the pressure down the stretch. The hosts enlarged the margin to 26 points at the interval and never looked back again. Marcelinho Machado was ejected in the third period receiving his second technical foul and Flamengo had little to propose without their leader on the court. Regatas eased to an impressive 95:72 victory at the end. Javier Martinez (189-G-78) notched 26 points, 7 assists and 6 boards to pace Regatas. Juan Manuel Rivero (192-G-85) added 20 points, while Ramzee Stanton (193-F-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: W.Chester) knocked down 14 in a winning case. Amiel Morejon (202-F-76) answered with 19 points for Flamengo. Flamengo played without Marcelinho Machado in the second game but still managed to keep the intrigue burning. The visitors stressed the defense and it worked well in the first half. Brazilian team limited Regatas to just 22 first half points and led 30:22 at the break. But soon the home side adjusted and netted 25 points in the third stanza to storm back into the lead. Flamengo simply did not match the effort and had to surrender in the second straight game. Ramzee Stanton nailed 19 points and pulled down 8 boards for Regatas. Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, college: E.Carolina) and Javier Martinez scored 11 points each for the winners. Fernando Coloneze (207-C-78) had 15 points and 9 boards for Flamengo. Amiel Morejon (202-F-76) tallied 14 in defeat. Flamengo now have their backs against the wall when they take on Regatas Corrientes in Rio de Janeiro on April 22.
Everything is ready for Final in Liga Sudamericana
by Eurobasket News - Apr 12, 2008
Three days left till the tip off of the final series of Liga Sudamericana. Regatas Corrientes and Flamengo qualified for the best-of-five title series. Regatas Corrientes advanced to the final with a 2-0 sweep of Universo/BRB. The Argentinean squad celebrated a 73:57 win in the second game at home to make through to the league finale. Regatas were dominant throughout the encounter and built a 7-point lead at the interval.
Three days left till the tip off of the final series of Liga Sudamericana. Regatas Corrientes and Flamengo qualified for the best-of-five title series. Regatas Corrientes advanced to the final with a 2-0 sweep of Universo/BRB. The Argentinean squad celebrated a 73:57 win in the second game at home to make through to the league finale. Regatas were dominant throughout the encounter and built a 7-point lead at the interval. The margin was stretched to 15 points in the third period and the hosts coasted to an overall victory. Meanwhile the things developed in more intriguing way in another semifinal matchup. Flamengo lost the opening game to Baca Juniors away from home but leveled the battle in Game 2 in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian team notched an 83:58 victory behind 18 points from Helio Lima (186-G-81). Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) added 12 points for the winners. It all came down to the decisive Game 3 in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo capitalized on the home court advantage to upset Boca Juniors 72:66 and entered the final series. Marcelinho Machado dropped 13 points in the opening stanza and the hosts grabbed a 24:13 lead. But Boca Juniors refused to surrender as Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) ignited a comeback effort and Argentinean squad surged ahead 35:33 at halftime. However Marcelinho Machado completed his 28-point haul in the second half to pace Flamengo to key success. Leonardo Gutierrez answered with 23 points for Boca Juniors.
It was easier than expected. With Tim Jones not coming to Brazil after problems with his passport, there was not much Sol de America could do. The word out is that they even had their flights already booked for Wednesday morning, doubting they could force a game three in the series. Flamengo dominated the first quarter, and despite playing badly, was able to advance into the semis. Flamengo 108, Sol de America 76.
It was easier than expected. With Tim Jones not coming to Brazil after problems with his passport, there was not much Sol de America could do. The word out is that they even had their flights already booked for Wednesday morning, doubting they could force a game three in the series. Flamengo dominated the first quarter, and despite playing badly, was able to advance into the semis. Flamengo 108, Sol de America 76.
Around 200 fans from Flamengo's Torcida Jovem, and a couple hundred more basketball enthusiasts made their way to the central court of Tijuca Tenis Clube. In an evening of torrential rain in Rio, and ugly basketball on court, the best choice was to stay home indeed. Flamengo lost the opening tip, but Sol missed an easy lay up to start the game. After that Coloneze was the man of Flamengo dominating the boards and scoring easy baskets on Sol's Randy Orr.
With just less than six minutes to go on the quarter, Flamengo led 14-3. Kiganya, by far the best (and only) player on Sol de America's side, tried the best that he could to put some points on the scoreboard for the Paraguayans, but Coloneze continued hitting bank shots and perfect swishes. At the end of the first it was Flamengo 28, Sol 14.
In the second Paulo Chupeta decided to give a chance to some of his bench players and Fernando Mineiro, and Amiel came in for Helio and Coloneze. Flamengo lost its composure and on back to back plays by Randy Orr, the lead fell to 11 points (32-21). Amiel committed consecutive turnovers, and Duda made a wild outlet pass to the Cuban right afterwards, but Sol, despite the chances, could not turn those mistakes into points.
Ramoa came in for the Paraguayans and gave the team more stability on its backcourt game. However, Amiel and Duda, recovering from their previous bad plays, went on 3 point shooting sprees that put Flamengo 21 points ahead (48-27). At the end, Kiganya from the charity stripe, and Ramoa on a fastbreak scored the last 3 points before the half. Flamengo 48, Sol 30.
Flamengo started the third quarter with its starting five and quickly went on a 13-4 run (61-34) that pretty much sealed the deal. After that Marcellus, a U20 point guard for Flamengo, had his chance to come in and run the offense of Paulo Chupeta. Duda and Marcelinho continued to shine, but it was Marcelo's younger brother who dominated the scoreboard helping the rubro negros increase their lead to 22 (82-60).
In the fourth Maicon got his chance to play adding 4 points to the scoreboard. Helio took control of the backcourt game while Duda rested. On the other end Randy Orr, and Kiganya tried to keep their team's energy level at a minimum. At the buzzer Flamengo had 108 against Sol de America's 76. It could have been a much larger gap on the scoreboard, but Flamengo seemed satisfied with what they put in.
Duda was the top scorer with 29 points while Kiganya added 26 for Sol de America. Flamengo will now face the winner of the series between Boca Juniors and Libertad Sunchales. While Sunchales breathes basketball and will have its arena packed with passionate fans, a match up against Boca Juniors would bring a great football rivalry to the hardwood. Let's wait and see.
CR Flamengo 108 (28+20+34+26) Starters: Helio, Duda, Marcelinho, Alirio, and Coloneze. Off the bench: Fernando, Amiel, Marcellus, and Maicon;
Sol de America 76 (14+16+30+16) Starters: Paniagua, Ocampo, Viveros, Kiganya, and Orr; Off the bench: Ramoa, Lopez, Maroletto;
