By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the win by a margin of 70 points in the Semifinals, Lenovo Tenerife faced a tougher challenge in the championship game of the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup but led wire-to-wire and overcame Sao Paulo, 89-68, in Santiago Martin Sunday.
Bruno Fitipaldo and Sasu Salin both poured 15 points to share the team high but the experienced Uruguayan combo guard was named tournament MVP. Aaron Doornekamp followed with 13 points in the Final. Giorgi Shermadini finished with 12 points.
Txus Vidorreta’s side, reigning defending champions of Europe’s Basketball Champions League, lifted the Intercontinental Cup for the third time in team history. Similar to previous triumphs in 2017 and 2020, the champion was determined in the San Cristobal de La Laguna, Canary Islands.
From getting into double-digits late in the first half, Tenerife quickly pulled further away after the break. The lead initially peaked at 22 points. In a commanding position, Tenerife stopped the 2021-22 Basketball Champions League Americas winners from reducing the deficit under ten points and instead went up by 23 points down the stretch.
Despite scoring a game-high 18 points, Henrique Coelho was not enough for the team coached by Bruno Mortari, son of former Intercontinental Cup champion with Sirio in 1979, Claudio. Tulio Da Silva posted a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double.
RGV Vipers win the third-place game
Playing for third place, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers wrapped up their second participation in the Intercontinental Cup with a comfortable win, 107-84, against the defending Basketball Africa League champion US Monastir. Former Texas Tech standout Jarrett Culver produced 34 points with 13/15 field goals, including 6/8 triples.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL