Basketball News

Libertad take title after victory

Argentinians Libertad from Sunchales defeated Brazil's Franca 77-68 in the fifth and decisive match of the finals to win their second Liga Sudamericana's title.

In an even duel, Libertad made the difference in the last 10 minutes thanks to good defensive work, and a three-pointer by Leopoldo Ruiz Moreno 31 seconds before the end of the match to make certain of victory for Carlos Bualo's team.

"I expected this," Bualo said. "Several times I have lost finals as coach, but finally I can celebrate. I thank the players. They worked hard."

"I feel supreme happiness," added Libertad's Leopoldo Ruiz Moreno. "We knew that the finals were going to be very complicated, because Franca improved in their play. But we came through the difficult moments thanks to our solid defence."

Cleotis Brown scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the winners, while Rogerio netted 19 for Franca.

More than 4,500 fans that crowded the Hogar de los Tigres stadium of Sunchales celebrated the second Liga Sudamericana's title after previously winning it in 2002.

This was the eighth Liga Sudamericana title for Argentinian teams. The other three tournaments were won by teams from Brazil.

Vaccaro: Delfino part of Argentina plans

One of Argentina's top basketball officials has called for peace with national team player Carlos Delfino, saying that the player's future in the national team is secure.

German Vaccaro was responding to comments made by the Detroit Pistons guard, who claimed he was disappointed with CABB members and national coach Sergio Hernandez for not contacting him regarding plans for the FIBA Americas Championship later this year.

Delfino accused Vaccaro and the coach of avoiding a meeting with him during their recent visit to America, and admitted feeling let down by the snub.

"It was a misunderstanding," Vaccaro told the Ole newspaper.

"We called Carlitos (Delfino) several times and he did not answer. We sent at least six emails and he did not reply.His agent (Angel Cerisola) also told us not to be worried about his participation because he was sure Delfino would play the pre-Olympic tournament. So we did not worry.I met Manu (Ginobili) and Fabricio (Oberto) in San Antonio and Manu found out in which hotel the Pistons were staying. I went there and waited for three hours, but he (Delfino) was not registered to stay at that hotel. Hernandez also left him a message on his phone, but he hasn't answered. We also sent him an email with the plan ahead of the championship and did not answer."

Speaking to the same newspaper a day earlier, Delfino hinted that he may not play at the FIBA Americas Championship, to be held between August 22 and September 2 in Las Vegas.

"I am in doubt. I truly don't know if I will go or not. I haven't talked to anybody yet and nobody has come here to see me," he said.

However, Vaccaro insists that Delfino is an integral part of the plans.He said: "We will call him as many times as possible. If we have to go to Detroit, then we will go. Delfino is not important, he is crucial."

courtesy of www.fiba.com