LIMA (FIBA South American U17 Championship 2017) – Argentina and Ecuador closed the Semi-Final picture of the FIBA South American U17 Championship, after capturing wins on Day 5 of the qualifying championship.

Ecuador secured the second spot of Group B after a 57-46 win over Bolivia. Ecuador produced a commanding lead early in the game, after a 19-6 first quarter. Bolivia suffered from inaccuracies and racked-up 35 turnovers, that allowed Ecuador to keep adding to the difference. Bolivia discounted a few points on the last quarter, but the victory belonged to Ecuador. Aaron Capuro was the top performer for Ecuador with 15 points and 8 rebounds.

Argentina captured an 84-65 win over Uruguay, to secure the top of Group B. Shooting for a 49% from the field and racking-up 24 assists, the Argentinians won all the quarters against a feisty Uruguay, that never stopped fighting. Leandro Bolmaro was the best for Argentina with 25 points and 5 assists.

In the Reclassification Round of the South American U17 Championship, Venezuela will take on Uruguay and Paraguay will take on Peru, for the right to play in the fifth-place game.

Meanwhile in the Semi-Finals, Chile will take on Ecuador and Argentina will face Colombia.

The top three teams of the South American U17 Championship will qualify to the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018 in St. Catharines, Canada.

FIBA