LIMA (FIBA South American U17 Championship 2017) – Group A is set. Chile and Colombia advanced to the Semi-Finals of the FIBA South American U17 Championship 2017 after securing victories in the fourth day of the regional championship. Ecuador and Uruguay earned victories in Group B action.

Chile took the top of Group A with an 83-49 win over fellow semifinalist Colombia. Chile started the game with a 5-0 streak and kept producing for a 19-13 first quarter. With 44% efficiency from the field, the Chileans kept adding to the difference and took a 12-point lead at the end of the first half. Nothing changed in the second half and Chile celebrated the win. Kevin Rubio was the top performer for the Chileans with a 17-point and 10-rebound “double-double”.

Ecuador earned its second win of the tournament after a 50-46 win over Paraguay. Paraguay had a slow start, and Ecuador took full advantage and escaped to a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Both teams suffered low efficiency from the field, and where purged by turnovers on the offensive side of the court. Paraguay discounted from the difference during the second half, but the lead established by Ecuador in the first half was hard to overcome. Moncayo was the top scorer for Ecuador with 18 points.

Uruguay tasted victory for the first time during the championship, after an 88-48 win over Bolivia. From the get-go, the Uruguayans showed their dominance to establish a commanding 23-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. Nothing changed, Uruguay kept producing and adding, to secure the win in Group B action. Rodrigo Coelho was the top performer for the Uruguayans with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals for a +20 efficiency.

Venezuela secured the third position of Group A with a 70-21 win over host Peru. Venezuela dominated the boards 67-30 and took advantage of the host’s 34 turnovers in the game, for a commanding victory. The third quarter was the deciding factor of the game, as the Venezuelans dominated the 10 minutes 27-7. Nothing changed in the last ten minutes as the lead kept growing, and Venezuela celebrated the win. Heredia Lugo was the top performer for Venezuela with a 20-point and 13-rebound “double-double”.

In the last day of Group B action, Bolivia will take on Ecuador and Argentina will face Uruguay.

The top three teams from the FIBA South American U17 Championship will qualify to the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018.

FIBA