Libertad started strong in Guayaquil

In the first round of the Sudamericano de Clubes, the only team of Argentina, Libertad Sunchales beat Brazilian powerhouse and tournament favorite Joinville Univille by 89-77. The match marked the debut of both teams in this year edition of the tournament which will be played in Ecuador from October 28th to November 1st. Libertad was lead by Sebastian Ginobili (190-G-72, agency: Interperformances), Bryant Markson (198-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Utah) (198-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Utah) and Gustavo Orona (196-G-75), with 15 points each.
The first quarter started with an 8-0 streak by the team coached by Roberto Bial but ended with just a three point lead by Joinvile with a score of 23-20.
The second period saw Libertad taking the lead by five for a while but thanks to the strong contributions of Jefferson Souza and Andre Luis Rodrigues the Brazilians took back the lead and first half ended 41-39.
The start of the second half was dominated by Joinville in part because of the scoring ability of Cyprian Williams who finished the game with 19 points, but then coach Julio Cesar Lamas played Markson and the foreigner responded extremely well with 11 points in the quarter and Libertad took the lead 63-58.
In the last period, the team of Sunchales controlled the pace of the game and maintained the lead despite the three point shots of Jefferson Souza and the presence of Tiago in the low post.
It was 89-77 for Libertad who will face Liceo Mixto of Chile in the second round, tonight.

Libertad (89): Sebastian Ginobili 15, Pablo Moldu 3, Bryant Markson 15 (x), Andres Pelussi 8, Jason Osborne 13 (Starters); Marcos Saglietti 11, Gustavo Orona 15 Alejandro Zilli 7, Juan P. Sartorelli 2 y Andres Landoni 0. Coach: Julio Cesar Lamas .

CISER/Univille/Joinville EC (77): Espiga 10, Cyprian Williams 21, Shilton 0 (x), Andre Luis 11 (x), Thiago 10 (x) (Starters); Andre 6, Jefferson Souza 19 (x), Jefferson Socas 0, Viegas 0 (x) y Cleiton 0. Coach: Alberto Bial.