MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (Interstat) — Nacional de Montevideo took a commanding 1-0 lead in its Basketball Champions League Americas playoff series Saturday, defeating Paisas Basket 96 to 75 at Gran Parque Central Sports Center.

The home team seized control with a 30-point third quarter, pulling away decisively after leading 44-36 at halftime. Connor Zinaich led Nacional with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while James Feldeine added 17 points and five assists. Josh Reaves scored a game-high 26 points for Paisas Basket in the loss.

Undefeated Nacional, now 8-0 across all competitions, was projected as a heavy favorite. The teams meet again in Game 2 on Sunday.