From the court in Buenos Aires. Defeated Franca of Brazil in the final 86-72. An intense game, both mentally and at times physically. A final with all the ingredients to remember.
With an intense and frenetic pace, the first quarter was a back-and-forth battle. What happened on one end was replicated on the other. Both teams came out to set the tempo and control the game. The partnership of Lucas Días with David Jackson for Franca, while on Boca's side Scala orchestrated the offense, with most possessions going inside to Fran Caffaro. The matchups between Caffaro and Lucas Días were the highlight of the quarter. Boca closed out the first 10 minutes slightly better, 31-28.
Casalanguida started the second quarter with the second unit on the court. Faggiano hit from beyond the arc, while Cuello helped organize the offense. Franca tried to lower the intensity and pace, looking to rest on offense. With 2 minutes left before halftime, Boca was able to pull away on the scoreboard, heading to the locker room 47-38.
Fatigue began to show, the game became more physical than athletic. Boca withstood Franca's comeback attempt and reached the midpoint of the third quarter with a 12-point lead: 58-46 with 4:20 remaining. The home team cut off Franca's offensive flow very well. Franca was burdened by fatigue and foul trouble. Unable to find alternatives for good, efficient shots. With a three-pointer from Stenta at the buzzer, Boca went into the break up 13: 66-53.
With the obligation to cut into the deficit, Franca tried to defend the perimeter more aggressively. They forced some turnovers and got some transition opportunities but couldn't convert. Boca tightened up the defensive rebounding, not allowing the Brazilians any second chances. The home team extended the lead to 15 points: Franca got within 10 but never managed to get it to single digits.
With 2 minutes remaining, the home team had control, back up 14 points: 81-67. David Jackson continued trying from beyond the arc without success, and Franca no longer fought back. Boca was crowned champion: 86-72.
Boca (86): Scala 18, Barreiro 11, Smith 12, Vega 2, Caffaro 15; Langston 5, Faggiano 10, Cuello 7, Giorgetti 3, Stenta 3
Franca (72): Bennett 7, David Jackson 16, De Paula 15, Lucas Días 17, Felicio 0; Mineiro 5, Rodríguez Jr 9, Laterzza 3