ARG/CUB - Emotional win by Argentina over Cuba to finish first in Group B:

CUIABÁ (FIBA Americas Championship for Women) – In an exciting and well fought game Argentina defeated Cuba 85-81 in overtime to win Group B and finish the Preliminary Round at the FIBA Americas Championship for Women played in Cuiabá, Brazil.

Argentina and Cuba had a balanced first half where they exchanged the lead many times with an efficient percentage from the field. Argentina had a better performance shooting from three point range and along with the ten turnovers by Cuba made the difference at halftime.

The first quarter ended 19-17 in favor of Argentina and in the second quarter the three pointers by Marcela Paoletta and Carolina Sanchez gave the South Americans a 37-36 halftime lead. Cuba stayed in the game thanks to their baskets in the paint where they made 22 points in the first 20 minutes.

At the half Marcela Paoletta led with 13 points by shooting 5-5 from the field (2 three pointers) and 1-2 from the free throw line. Carolina Sanchez helped with 9 points. Cuba had Yamara Amargo with 9 points and Clenia Noblet with 8.

Argentina pulled away after a technical foul to Yamara Amargo with 6:15 left where Carolina Sanchez made a free throw and Marcela Paoletta a three pointer. Then Paoletta made another basket abd Paula Reggiardo a three pointer to be up 53-47 with 3:29 left. Cuba started to put pressure on defense and at the same time the three pointers were sinking to make a 9-0 run and finish the third quarter up 59-57.

In the final quarter it was more of the same, with a lot of intensity by both teams and at the end Argentina could not take advantage of the opportunities given in the free throw line to win the game. Carolina Sanchez made one of two free throws to tie the game at 72 with 12.3 seconds left and send the game into overtime.

At overtime Argentina kept attacking the basket and a two pointer by Paula Reggiardo and two free throws by Paoletta with 6.1 seconds left gave Argentina the win. Cuba had the game in their hands but mistakes handling the ball and missing easy baskets were enough for their first loss.

Marcela Paoletta netted 22 points, Florencia Fernandez along with Paula Reggiardo 16 and Carolina Sanchez 15.

Cuba had Clenia Noblet with 21 points and Yamara Amargo 16.

In the semifinals Cuba faces Brazil and Argentina plays Canada.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas