ARG/VEN - Argentina ends day one with a win over Venezuela:

CUIABÁ (FIBA Americas Championship for Women) – Argentina finished day one of the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship for Women with a win over Venezuela by the score of 87-65.

After a great start, with a 21-6 lead, the Venezuelans came back with a 13-4 run in the final 3:24 to finish the first quarter down 25-19. Paula Reggiardo led Argentina with 6 points and Marcela Paoletta along with Erica Sanchez had 5 points each. Ofelia Villaroel led Venezuela with 7 points.

In the second quarter Argentina pulled away with a great defensive performance by forcing 17 turnovers at the half where they won 52-36. Paoletta had 14 points and Reggiardo 13 for Argentina. The Argentineans shot 20-41 from the field and 9-9 from the free throw line.

Argentina kept the lead in the second half thanks to a balanced attack by the bench players and better shot selection. Argentina also stole 22 balls and dished 20 assists.

Paula Reggiardo finished with 17 points and Marcela Paoletta 14. Erica Sanchez finished with 7 points and 10 rebounds.

In the loss Ofelia Villaroel had 17 points with 11 rebounds and Roselis Silva 15. Venezuela ended with 29 turnovers and shot 21-58 from the field for 36%.

On day 2 Argentina faces Chile and Venezuela plays against Cuba.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas