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17 February, 2020
23 February, 2021
29/11/2020
Game Report
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Argentina gets closer to 2022 AmeriCup berth after defeating Colombia

Miami (UNITED STATES) - Despite a spirted effort by Group A’s last-place squad, Argentina defeated Colombia 75-67 to finish its second window of the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers with a 3-1 overall record that may be enough to earn them a berth in the 2022 tournament.

Coach Gabriel Piccato’s squad, which is now tied with Venezuela atop the group, was led by Carlos Schattmann’s 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting. However, Argentina relied heavily on their balance and depth, with five players scoring in double figures and 34 points coming from the bench.

Ultimately, it was Argentina’s third-quarter push that made a difference in the game. After a first half that was more half-court oriented, the club was able to create more opportunities in transition and attack the interior with more success at the start of the third period.

What was even more impressive was Argentina’s complete 360 defensively. Its discipline, intelligence and commitment to guarding ball screens shined as it limited Colombia to just 23 second-half points and forced 11 total turnovers.

Most importantly, Argentina shut down Colombia star Braian Angola, whose athleticism and shot creation posed major problems for the defense. Angola (17 points on 6-of-22 shooting) went ice cold in the third quarter, as Argentina made halftime adjustment by throwing more defenders his way.

The tale of two halves began with the first two periods featuring an up-and-down offensive affair. Argentina relied heavily on its crisp passing and 3-point shooting while Colombia focused on Angola’s ability to control the pace. No club led by more than seven and every time it seemed like the favorite would build momentum, Colombia would answer back with a clutch bucket or momentum building defensive stop.

In the end, it was "what could’ve been" for Colombia (1-3), as the club remains at the bottom of Group A with just two matchups remaining. There is no questioning its heart and desire, but Michaell Jackson (0 points on 0-of-11 shooting) will have to play much better and it’ll need much more efficiency from all areas offensively if it wants to make noise in the third and final qualifying window in February.

Argentina’s next game will come on February 18 vs. Chile before they face Colombia for the final time on February 21.

FIBA