BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) - Coming off a dominant win against Colombia on Friday, Venezuela continued its winning ways after beating Chile 86-77 in double overtime at Estadio Obras Sanitarias in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Chile, led by Nico Carvacho, almost pulled off the stunning upset, but Venezuela’s defense was too much for its Group B opponent, who was plagued by 20 total turnovers. 

Venezuela got off to a hot start thanks to forward Pedro Chuorio knocking down back-to-back threes and the team's outstanding offensive rebounding. On top of that, Chile struggled with protecting the ball and sloppy offensive play. But, Carvacho was able to keep his team in it as he scored the team’s first six points. He would finish the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds. 

In the second quarter, Chile was able to cut into Venezuela’s lead as a result of great defense and transition offense. It was culminated with a Sebastian Suarez steal and a fastbreak dunk that would tie the game up with five minutes remaining. Yet, Venezuela soon responded, growing its lead to 33-28 at the half as Chile struggled with turnovers and stopping Chourio, who finished the half with 11 points.

While the first half was defined by Chile’s sloppy offensive play and Venezuela successfully driving towards the basket and kicking it out to the perimeter, Chile soon responded in the second half. The team struggled again with turnovers, but they eventually got the 3-ball going. Carvacho’s fatigue was apparent as he began missing wide-open layups after a strong first half. Chile played great defense with Venezuela’s shooting percentage dropping to as low as 37 percent from the field. Chile’s Ignacio Arroyo, Marcelo Perez and Franco Morales had dominant third quarters with great 3-point shooting.

Entering the fourth quarter, the game was tied up at 53, but Venezuela began pulling away with Carvacho continuing to struggle in the second half and Chile failing to score until 6 minutes left in the quarter. Finally, Chile got its offense going led by Morales distributing the ball and continuing to hit his 3-point shots, helping to grow Chile’s lead to 4 points. However, Venezuela was able to stay in it by dominating the offensive boards. Venezuela would tie it up with 25 seconds left after a pair of free throws from Michael Carrera. Venezuela had the chance to win the game at the end of regulation after Chile turned it over but could not capitalize.

In overtime, Morales continued his strong second half as Chile looked like it was going to pull off the upset. Yet, Venezuela would not back down with point guard Heissler Guillet hitting the game-tying three with 28 seconds left. The game would go on to another overtime.

Momentum would shift with power forward Michael Carrera leading the way for Venezuela, helping his team take a five-point lead with three minutes left in double overtime. Chile could not respond, and Venezuela would pull away, winning 86-77. Carrera finished the game 22 points and eight rebounds. Guillent added 19 points and 11 assists.

Despite Chile’s towering big men, Carvacho and Manuel Suarez, Venezuela was able to outbound Chile 50 to 36, 24 of Venezuela's rebounds were offensive alone, leading to 20 second-chance points. Chile has a bright future ahead with Carvacho leading the pack alongside Perez, who scored 16 points on 6 for 8 shooting. 

Chile finished the second window of the AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers at 0-2 while Venezuela finished 2-0. 

FIBA