MONTEVIDEO (Liga Sudamericana) - Jose "Pepe" Mujica was the most famous spectator on the opening night of Group C action in the Liga Sudamericana on Tuesday.

Introduced to the crowd before Aguada's game against Importadora Alvarado of Ecuador, the Uruguayan club presented the nation's head of state with a jersey.

Swarmed by children during the pre-game, Mujica, who took office in 2010, signed autographs before retreating to his seat to take in the action.

Aguada rolled to a 106-81 triumph, a game that followed the clash between Winner Limeira and Argentino de Junin. Brazilians Winner prevailed, 77-63.

Mujica explained why he had decided to attend the Aguada game.

"It is an international game and I needed to come and help for it to get the attention it deserves," he said.

"In our society we must encourage all sports."

Mujica added: "For me, it is a pleasure to symbolically give a hug to all the fans of Aguada."

Mujica's presence added to the already festive atmosphere in the Aguada Arena.

The Montevideo club's fans, known as the "hinchada”", sang and chanted from start to finish.

The outfit has been on a high since last season, when they reached the Final of the Liga Sudamericana and also finished third in the FIBA Americas League.

Even without the injured Leandro Garcia Morales and Martin Osimani, Aguada were in rampant form.

Their captain, Pablo Morales, provided much of the inspiration for the team. In his 13 minutes off the bench, Morales drilled three of four shots from the arc and finished with 13 points.

The man that everyone was talking about by the end of the night, though, was President Mujica.

The President of the South American Basketball Association (ABASU), Mr Grego Bozikis of Brazil, said: "We are honored to have the presence of the President of Uruguay in this edition of the Liga Sudamericana. His presence is a confirmation of the excellent work being done by Aguada not only nationally, but now as an international organization.

"This is also confirmation of growth of our competition and of our sport throughout the continent. Long live basketball and this wonderful 2014 South American League."

FIBA