Another Brazilian outfit secured its berth in the FIBA Americas League Semi-Final Round over the weekend.
Joining Pinheiros, who advanced from Group A, are Group B runners-up Uberlandia.
Following an opening day 85-81 triumph over Puerto Ricans Leones de Ponce in Montevideo and an 87-71 thumping by Aguada, Uberlandia prevailed over Argentinians Lanus, 71-63, to clinch their progression.
In the team’s triumph over Lanus, Robert Day had 17 points and 8 rebounds and Lucas Cipolini 17 points and 7 boards.
Group B hosts Aguada, who reached the Liga Sudamericana Final at the end of last year and fell to Uniceub of Brasilia, claimed top spot in FIBA Americas League Group B.
They cruised against Lanus (93-74) and then routed Uberlandia before scraping a 93-92 win over Leones de Ponce.
Venezuelans Cocodrilos de Caracas, who beat Pinheiros to first place in Group A, are also in the next stage of the competition.
Aguada, meanwhile, have kept basketball in the spotlight in Uruguay.
One of their top players, Leandro Garcia Morales, a leader with the national team, had 33 points in the success against Leones de Ponce.
He spoke about the significance of Aguada’s 2013-14 campaign for the country.
“I think the important thing is that Uruguayan basketball is back competing right now,” he said.
“If we lose or not, we are having close games, including the Final of the South American League against Uniceub, when they beat us.
“We are competing and it is quite remarkable for our basketball.”
Brazil internationals Nezinho, Alex Garcia and Guilherme of Uniceub are targeting a place in the Semi-Final Round as well.
They are in Group C with games against Regatas Corrientes, Halcones Xalapa and Marinos de Anzoaegui coming up 7-9 February.
Yet another Brazilian team, Flamengo, will play in Group D against Leon de Quilpue, Capitanes de Arecibo and Mavort, 14-16 February.
