LIMA (Peru) - Argentina won the gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, winning the Final against Puerto Rico with a score of 84-66.

For the second time in its history, the Albiceleste squad managed to climb to the top of the Pan-American podium, after the title reached in 1995, when it hosted the Mar del Plata Games.

The South Americans started the game with a 12-0 run in the first four minutes and from there they completely imposed the tempo and showed a tough defense led by Facundo Campazzo, who created multiple opportunities for his teammates.

The point guard finished with 12 assists and 10 points, including a three-pointer with 4:31 minutes to go in the game that gave Argentina a 76-57 lead.

Captain Luis Scola was a big weapon on the offensive, combining with  Campazzo, mainly in the pick and roll, was the top scorer with 28 points and nine rebounds. Patricio Garino and Gabriel Deck, added 11 units each.

For Puerto Rico, team that had an excellent tournament with a young group, the center Devon Collier led the scoreboard with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Benito Santiago Jr. and Derek Reese, added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

USA took home the bronze medal by beating the Dominican Republic by 92-83.

The Americans tipped the balance in their favor in the last period with a 32-18 quarter, thanks to which they regained the intensity in defense and managed to score in transition. Another decisive aspect in the triumph was that they were successful from long distance scoring nine three-pointers in 19 attempts. In the previous meeting they had only been able to score three baskets from three-point land.

Point guard Collin Gillespie commanded the USA offense with 24 points (five threes), while forward Alpha Diallo added 23 and center forward Geoffrey Groselle had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. For Dominican Republic, Gelvis Solano finished with 26 points.

This Tuesday, August 6, the basketball activity will continue at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, with the start of the women's tournament with the participation of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, United States, Virgin Islands, Paraguay and Puerto Rico.

Final Positions:
1. Argentina
2. Puerto Rico
3. United States
4. Dominican Republic
5. Venezuela
6. Uruguay
7. Mexico
8. Virgin Islands

FIBA