BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) - Uruguay showcased a great offensive performance in a crucial victory against competitive opponent Panama (2-2) 74-67 in Buenos Aires, Argentina of the AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers. This victory solidifies Uruguay’s position in second place behind Brazil in Group B.

Initially, both teams struggled offensively as they sloppily turned the ball over. Yet, once Uruguay (2-2) got the ball going, they got out to an early lead, leading 11-4. Panama cut into Uruguay’s lead as a result of two back-to-back 3-pointers by point guard Trevor Gaskins. At the buzzer, Carlos Rodriguez hit a three for Panama, ending the quarter with a 3-point Panama lead.

Yet, that was the largest lead Panama would have. Uruguay began the quarter with three team fouls, but the tables would turn. Marcos Cabot caused a spark in Uruguay’s offensive with a big three to take the lead. Then, Uruguay, led by Luciano Pardi, Kiril Wachsmann and Frederico Haller, begann driving to the basket, drawing the foul and shooting from the line efficiently. Panama had good ball movement but continued to struggle on the offensive side of the ball. Uruguay was beating Panama 41-27 at the conclusion of the first half.

While both teams remained scoreless for almost three minutes, Panama, thanks to brothers Tyler and Gaskins, got off to a 7-0 start. Uruguay’s aggressiveness for offensive rebounds helped to solidify its lead in the third quarter. Eugenio Luzcando cut Uruguay’s lead to as low as three after going coast-to-coast for a lay-up with 49 seconds left.

But, Uruguay would pull away in the fourth quarter. Every time Panama got close to taking the lead, Uruguay responded. They continued their great defense and rebounding on both sides of the floor. After Panama committed numerous turnovers and fouls, Uruguay took advantage, capitalizing on the free-throw lead, which propelled them to victory. Uruguay’s bench also outscored Panama’s bench 32 to 14.

“[Uruguay] put pressure on us,” Trevor Gaskins said in the post-game press conference. “They were taking away the things we were trying to do. You gotta give them credit.”

Trevor also added they, themselves, are to blame for the loss because of careless turnovers.

For Uruguay, Cabot finished with 17 points and Wachsmann added 11 rebounds. Panama was led by Trevor Gaskins, who contributed 17 points and two assists, and Tony Bishop Jr., who scored 13 points and tallied eight rebounds.