Five takeaways from Group A in the second window of FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers

BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) - Venezuela and Argentina finished undefeated in the second window of the Americup 2022 Qualifiers. The two teams defeated Chile and Colombia at the Obras Sanitarias stadium in Buenos Aires, which served as the host for the Group A Qualifiers.
Both have a 3-1 record, however, yet Vinotinto is at the top due to points difference.

Here are five things we've learned from the group:

1.The experience of Venezuela prevailed in the closing
Their reward came after overcoming disadvantages in the fourth quarter. José Materán's two 3-pointers in the last two minutes of the game gave them a break against Colombia. A day later, they beat Chile in two overtimes. Experience was a key factor as World Cup players Heissler Guillent, Michael Carrera and Néstor Colmenares appeared in moments of urgency. Guillent showed great driving performance with an average of 10.5 assists and Carrera led the attack with 15.5 points.

2. Argentina's collective work paid off
Argentina came to the window with six senior team rookies and an average age of 24 years. They also added two victories and, without natural pivots, they managed to stop their rivals to an average of 64 points. Forward Máximo Fjellerup carried the responsibility in front of the basket, averaging 13 goals per game. Against Colombia, five players finished with offensive double digits. "It was solid teamwork," said coach Gabriel Piccato.

3. Tiredness took its toll on Chile
Chile could've taken two victories in Buenos Aires, but couldn't close the games. The second game against Venezuela was more painful as they lost an important advantage in overtime. The technical director Cristian Santander argued that more than eight months without competition affected the decisive moments. Nicolás Carvacho averaged a double-double of 13.5 points and 13 rebounds, and Manny Suárez averaged 16.5 points to lead Chile's strong performance. Franco Morales also shined with six 3-pointers, several of them from far.

4. Braian Angola showed out in Buenos Aires
The guard did not disappoint in his debut for Colombia. He showed his scoring ability by averaging 18 points. He also made one of the best plays of the tournament after driving the ball from coast to coast and finishing with a dunk on his defender. Despite their performance, the left winless, although they were competitive. Their coach, Guillermo Moreno, claimed that they did not have adequate preparation or enough time to correct in training.

5. Definitive February
The third qualifying stage for the AmeriCup 2022 is scheduled for February next year. The four teams arrive with possibilities as nothing is defined. Venezuela and Argentina can punch their ticket with just one more win by either of them, while their rivals Chile and Colombia will seek to secure the third qualifying position.

 FIBA