07/04/2006
FIBA Americas - Ben Hur, Ribeirao Preto win through to final
RAFAELA (Liga Sudamericana) - Ben Hur of Argentina and Brazilian side Ribeirao Preto will contest the final of the Liga Sudamericana after each side won their semi-final ties 2-1.
Ben Hur made it through after seeing off the challenge of Brazilian giants Uberlandia, who lost the chance to defend the title they won last year. Ben Hur won the deciding match 85-83 at home, although Uberlandia can consider themselves unlucky after playing the better of the two sides in the clash.
Leonardo Gutierrez was the star of the show for Ben Hur, finishing as the game's leading scorer with 21 points, a tally that included four three-pointers.
In the other semi-final, Ribeirao Preto beat Libertad of Argentina 89-85 after overtime to also claim a 2-1 series victory. Visitors Libertad looked to have the match in complete control following the first half as they led 53-37 at the midway point.
But the hosts hit back during the third period, which they won 26-12, before evening the match up at 79-79 by the end of normal time. Ribeirao Preto then carried that momentum into the extra period, which they won 10-6 to complete the victory.
The game's leading scorer was Ribeirao Preto's Alex with 26 points, while for Ben Hur Sebastian Ginobili - brother of NBA superstar Emanuel - and Ryan Carroll both netted 20 points.
By PA Sport, Exclusively for FIBA