MONTEVIDEO (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers) - Uruguay won a transcendental game in their efforts to qualify to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China. The Charrúas were, for most of the game, behind in the scoreboard, but with an impressive amount of courage they reversed an adverse game.

“Esteban Batista was the best scorer for the Uruguayans, with 18 points and analyzed their triumph in the following way: “At the start everything seemed very complicated. Truth is, it was looking bad (for us). The team's asset was that they didn’t stop believing in any moment, and despite being down we kept defending and we never looked at the scoreboard to keep our minds clearer. I don’t know if it was the game we expected it to be. This was a unique opportunity to stay alive in the Qualifiers, we all had that very clear and we played for that.”

The forward acknowledged: “This was the last train available and we hopped on when the whistle was already blowing announcing its departure. Now what's left is to continue and to continue with this strength to face what's ahead of us.
Batista only played for 23 minutes, because he compromised with the fouls and had to leave early, during the third quarter: “I didn’t understand the two fouls that they appointed me in the start of the second half. With this level and with what we play, I believe they were an exaggeration. I was at the bench and really fuming, but I contained myself. This time it went well, because sometimes that takes you off the games; however, this team showed they have their minds in the right place to be able to carry the game forward. Our patience had its rewards.”

As a conclusion, the forward pointed out: “We're still alive. Our objective is to play game by game, and this time we were able to overcome a very difficult first quarter.”

It was not Bruno Fitipaldo's best game, who was erratic in the offense. The captain closed with 2 of 15 in field throws, but when the time came to be self-critical, he did not waver and said: “Uruguay won despite my performance and it was difficult, because we mostly use my offensive game as a stand point. I couldn't find the way to score in the whole game, but everyone contributed, and we were able to have solutions from the bench. It was a prize for being able to fight for it during the whole game.” Fitipaldo pointed out: “This is a very important point in every sense; first because how it took place and then, because of the ranking. We only kept that and now we're thinking about what's coming ahead -- Puerto Rico and the United States. We hope to be better settled for those games and do a better job.”
Uruguay did not suffer Esteban Batista’s exit as much this time. His replacement, Hatila Passos, showed some quality minutes that were very positive for the team. The also small forward new that the point achieved is valuable: “We knew that the game would be very difficult, but this team never gave up and fought until the very last minutes. We were behind during the whole game, but we were able to surpass that at the end. This was my best game for Uruguay. We also knew that this was our last chance, that's why we had to put a bit more effort.”

HIGHLIGHTS:

“This was the last train available and we hopped on when the whistle was already blowing announcing its departure.” - Esteban Batista

“Uruguay won despite my performance.” - Bruno Fitipaldo

“We also knew that this was our last chance, that's why we had to put a bit more effort.” - Hatila Passos

Juan Pablo Tamborini

FIBA