BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Women’s AmeriCup) - The debut, the court and the rival were no match for Argentina, who victoriously began their first appearance at FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2017. They broke the ice with a comfortable 80-48 victory against the Virgin Islands, who were champions of the Centrobasket that took place in July at their home courts.

“I think that during the opening quarter we had those ‘beginning of tournament nerves’ that create the doubt of how you're going to start because you want to do well. We had that obstacle, but we later knew how to play well. We defended well, we went forward and we showed that we are a true team. Besides, one must enjoy this experience. Usually there are no tournaments like this in Argentina,” said forward Andrea Boquete, a 17-point scorer for the Argentine team. Also, Macarena Durso and Melisa Greter scored 14 points each.

Coach Cristian Santander was looking forward to what could come ahead for the national team, but also assured that there are aspects that must be worked on besides winning. “We must urgently improve our defensive rebounds. This is a team that's very young and that must find their respective roles. Hopefully we may continue to grow. We're handing 21, 22 and 23 year old players the responsibility of playing in this framework and to try to keep up the level. And they're lead by 26 year old players, it's not like we have veterans. There’s good chemistry among them”, he explained. 

He then added: “I'm at a personal stage in which I enjoy every tournament. And I think its fantastic to have it at home because our family and friends are here. We know that they all come to root for us and that’s good, we can use it in our favor.”

Regarding their next rival, he admitted that he “wasn't surprised by Venezuela’s level. In the past few years they have enormously improved their quality. They have been preparing in tours in Europe and China. They now know how to play one on one against any other team. I respect them very much.”

The Argentine men’s team, alongside captain Luis Scola and coach Sergio Hernández, were present in the stands to support the women's team and were received by the public with a standing ovation. They will play their AmeriCup in Bahía Blanca and Córdoba at the end of this month.

After tomorrow’s day off, Argentina will play again on Tuesday, against Venezuela, at 9:05 PM (host country hour).

FIBA