Author: Monojit Mandal
Sesi Franca – Al Ahly – 90:70
In the first match of the group stage, Ceci Franca beat Egypt’s Al Ahly 90-70. Lucas Silva and David Jackson were key to the Brazilian team’s victory, scoring 22 points each. Franca took the lead early on, leading 26-17 at the end of the first session and 42-32 at half-time. The team maintained control throughout the second half, scoring a further 48 points and taking their first win in Singapore. Márcio Santos scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Al Ahly, while Norris Cole scored 17 points.
G League Ignite – Ceci Franca – 89:98
In the second match of the group stage, the American team “G League Ignite” was defeated 98-89. The Brazilian team, led by Jonathan dos Santos and Georginho Paula, who scored 19 points each, showed exceptional cooperation and dedication throughout the game. The first quarter ended with Frankie leading by two points, 25-23. They continued their offensive dominance in the second quarter and scored 29 more points to go into halftime with a 54-50 lead.
G League Ignite fought hard, reducing the margin to three points in the fourth quarter. On the other hand, Ceci Franchi’s strong defense stood out, limiting their opponents to just 16 points in the fourth quarter to seal the hard-fought victory. Lucas Silva played a key role in the win, scoring 18 points.
Sesi Franca – Telekom Baskets Bonn – 70:69 (18-13, 16-21, 24-16, 12-19)
Their opponents in the final of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2023 were German club Telekom Baskets Bonn. At the end of the first quarter, the Brazilians led 18-13, but the teams went into the break with the score tied at 34-34. The third period passed with Frankie’s advantage and, before the last ten minutes, she was leading 58-50.
The fourth period turned out to be worthy of the final. Bonn managed to take the lead and were winning 69-68 thirty seconds before the final buzzer. But just as the final buzzer sounded, Lucas Dias brought Franke a 70-69 victory! As part of the winners, Santos scored 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Diaz scored 14 points and Jackson 12, as well as 8 steals. Franca is the third Brazilian team to win the title. Previously, Sírio and Flamengo had won.