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20 November, 2017
26 February, 2019
25 Lucio Redivo (ARG)
27/02/2018
Game Report
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Argentina recovers and punches ticket for the next round

OLAVARRIA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) — Argentina overpowered Paraguay with no inconveniences (83-61) at Estadio Parque Guerrero in the city of Olavarria in their second game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers. The local team recovered from the harsh loss against Uruguay after a great third quarter and now have a 3-1 record. Meanwhile, it's a complicated qualification for Paraguay (0-4), who would have to win in the next stage to fight for their place in the next stage.

Lucio Redivo was the greatest scorer, with 14 points (4/5 in 2-point shots), followed by Nicolás Brussino with 12 points and Leonardo Mainoldi with 12 (4/7 in 3-point shots). As for the losing side, Gabriel Peralta's 13 and Guillermo Araujo's 11 were not enough.

“In the collective aspects, although there were moments we had no fluidity, we were able to later hurry the rhythm and that was when we felt the best. This was the opposite road than the one we took with Uruguay. Personally, I'm very pleased. Nonetheless, there are always things to improve.”Lucio Redivo (ARG)Lucio Redivo (ARG)

The team coached by Sergio Hernández threw for a 31/82% average from the three-point area (7/22) and 46.9% in field goals; and captured 47 rebounds (35 defensive) and handed out 19 assists. The Paraguayans captured 37 rebounds and only made 12 assists during the whole game and could only achieve 13 out of 42 two-point shots (30.95%) and 4 of 17 three-pointers (25.53%).

Starting off in the first quarter, Argentina played with some difficulties; Paraguay had many problems in the inside game, which Luis Scola and Marcos Delía complicated, to close the first quarter 25-19 in a stumbled tip off after a slam-dunk by Delía, when the extension arm of the basketball system fell and struck the Uruguayan Alejandro Peralta, who after a few minutes returned with a bandage on his head.

The second quarter was very tight, 15-14 (40-33) for the locals, with the entrance of Lucio Redivo with 9 points. For the visitors, Bruno Zanotti was the most outstanding, with 11 points. The third quarter favored Argentina with a maximum advantage of 20 points for a 26-13 quarter (66-46) and a great contribution by small forward Leo Mainoldi, with four three-point shots. 17-15 was the result of the last quarter, to close the game by 22 points (83-61).

Point guard Nicolás Laprovittola said after the game: “We knew they would be two different games. The first half today, although we could have played faster, we had some problems. In the second half everything went more smoothly and we're leaving satisfied. The Qualifiers are a bit dangerous; all games are important, and we had to play a good game today. Chapu’s tribute was very emotional.”

“We needed a bit of fluidity which we couldn’t have the other day, we couldn't show the Argentina we wanted to be. Today we played as we are. The second half was good, and we want to keep working with our minds set on what's coming. We must keep working, there are a lot of games left. We can win playing better, we have the return game later on.”Leonardo Mainoldi (ARG)Leonardo Mainoldi (ARG)

In the halftime there was a special moment: the retirement of the #13 jersey worn by Andrés “Chapu” Nocioni in the Argentine National Team. He played 121 games with the National Team, is the third player with the most participations and 15 tournaments --the Olympic gold medal in 2004, the bronze medal in 2008, as well as other tournaments.

“It's complicated because you don't find the words for this moment. The #13 is a number that no one wants. It doesn't have much sense that the #13 is there, but it's a jersey that brings a lot of luck and it was retired by the greatest Argentine National Team; the Golden Generation. You must chase your dreams in life. And that’s what we did with the Golden Generation; that jersey is displayed because of the team, not because of me. I'm grateful for it. We're leaving something behind,” he concluded.

For the third stage of the Qualifiers, Argentina will welcome Panama on June 28 and will visit Uruguay on July 1. On those same dates, Paraguay will welcome Panama and will then visit Uruguay

“We couldn't play good basketball at these windows. And we don’t want to undermine our rivals. It's an internal reflection. We weren't comfortable in the court. We didn't find the aggressiveness and dynamic that sets us apart and that we portrayed at the AmeriCup. The positive thing is that we could be together again. Chapu's appearance was good for the team. His presence was important. And he showed the way a little. And I'm saying this beyond his jersey's retirement.” Sergio Hernandez (ARG) Sergio Hernandez (ARG)

FIBA