MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – A last-second put-back by Nicolás Brussino gave Argentina an 84-83 win over Colombia, securing second place in Group C and a spot in the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Quarter-Finals.
The Argentine squad (2-1), which came into Monday’s game shorthanded, showed grit and gained momentum heading into the next stage of the competition.
Colombia (1-2), despite the narrow defeat, also secured its first-ever AmeriCup Quarter-Finals appearance in its three participations (2017, 2022, and 2025). The Colombians clinched a berth as one of the two best third-place finishers in the Group Phase.
Turning point
Romario Roque scored off an offensive rebound to give Colombia a three-point lead (83-80) with 45 seconds left. Gonzalo Corbalán quickly answered with a layup (83-82) to keep Argentina alive. Colombia then missed two long-range attempts. The Albiceleste got the final possession with six seconds remaining. After Pablo Prigioni’s timeout, big man Juan Fernández, who had carried the team all game, attempted a three-pointer that came up short. But Brussino was there for the Tissot Buzzer Beater, sealing the dramatic win.
TCL player of the game
Fernández was sensational, posting a monster double-double of 36 points and 16 rebounds, along with 2 blocks and a steal. The 22-year-old finished with a 44 efficiency rating—just a day after Nicaragua’s Norchad Omier set the highest mark since 2003 with a 48 (30 points, 20 rebounds), also against Colombia.
Fernández shouldered the load in the absence of frontcourt players Francisco Caffaro, Gonzalo Bressan, and Juan Pablo Vaulet.
Corbalán added 20 points for Argentina, and José Vildoza scored 10. Brussino, who had made just 1 of 10 shots before his game-winner, finished with 5 points and 9 rebounds.
For Colombia, Braian Angola recorded a double-double of 22 points and 10 assists. Michaell Jackson (15), Hansel Atencia (14), and Luis Almanza (11) also scored in double digits.
Stats don’t lie
The game was evenly matched statistically, but Argentina gained a slight edge in points in the paint, largely thanks to Fernández. Prigioni’s squad dominated that category 46-34.
Bottom line
Fernández’s 16 rebounds marked the highest total by an Argentine player at the tournament since 2003. Legend Luis Scola had previously grabbed 14 on three occasions.
Argentina and Colombia will now wait to learn their opponents, with Quarter-Final games beginning on August 28th.
They said
Brussino, the most experienced player on Argentina’s roster, credited the team’s resilience in overcoming adversity.
“The team showed character. Beyond the youth, they were prepared. This was a step forward for us at AmeriCup, and now we’ll rest and get ready for the Quarter-Finals,” said the 32-year-old forward. “For what’s ahead, we need to improve our focus. The wear and tear of the last two days was evident, but with this step forward, we’re very motivated for what’s coming.”
FIBA