MIAMI (United States) – Ecuador won the bronze medal at the FIBA ​​U-18 South American Championship at the “Papá” Carrillo gym in Caracas, Venezuela, by defeating Uruguay 63-60. With this victory the Ecuadorian squad, for the second time in its history, qualified for the U18 FIBA ​​Americas Championship, scheduled for June.

In a match worth fighting for a medal, neither of the two teams could take a big lead over the 40 minutes.

Three minutes from the end of the game, point guard Janer Arcila shot a three-pointer to tie the score at 57, then Joseph Caicedo scored to put the Ecuadorian team in front (61- 59) with 1:32 left.

Arcila scored two shots from the penalty line to extend the lead by four (63-59) with 13 seconds to go and gave his team the peace of mind they needed. However, Uruguay did not give up and moved within three (63-60) with a free-throw by Matías Espinosa. Uruguay then had the last possession of the game but Guzman Vasilic fell short on his three-point attempt and the Ecuador celebration unleashed.

Arcila finished with 13 points and seven rebounds in a match where Ecuador was able to take advantage of the 24 turnovers of their opponent to score 32 points.

Roodvan Osores (double-double of 13 points and 17 rebounds) and Vasilic (12 points, three rebounds and three assists) were the most outstanding players for Uruguay.

“Everything is due to the boys, we are very happy to be able to participate in a FIBA ​​Americas Under-18 Championship. This victory is for a whole country that is happy for us,” said coach Lucas Gil after the match.

"We made history and I have no words, I'm just grateful to this team that set out to get to the top. We managed to fulfill this dream. It is a great feat in my career,” said Arcila.

FIBA