Argentina through to Semi-Finals, will face Brazil for group's top spot

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Women’s AmeriCup) - Throughout these tournament days, the Argentine giants have gone through an intense variety of emotions. It appeared Sofía Aispurúa’s ugly injury could steal their focus, but last night they confidently won against Colombia, achieved their third victory in a row, and showed that they can take it all in front of their own fans at this edition of the FIBA AmeriCup.

Despite the hurdles, the Argentines marked a wide difference in relation to their rivals, who had to face a fierce and robust defense when they had to finish in the offense. However, they team know that it will be increasingly more demanding as they move on.

“We’ll be facing strong contenders of a great level. [Yesterday] we needed to win and we had to play well at times. I think we did so, and this gives us confidence for what's to come,” Coach Cristian Santander stated. He then added: “Basketball in the Americas is more and more even, more unexpected. But beyond desiring to qualify, we were always confident.”

The players went out to the court with a banner that read: “Stay strong Sofi, we love you!” She then posted a picture of the gesture through her Twitter account (@sofiaispurua): “I have no words to express my emotions and my desire to be there. Go Argentina.”

“Since the beginning of this process we've been going through some incredible stuff. What happened yesterday killed us, but today we're playing for her. If she could, she would be here, cheering for us. But we know that she’s still fighting for us. We send her our best wishes all of the time. We're constantly speaking,” said Macarena Rosset, the game’s top scorer, with 16 points alongside Melisa Gretter (six rebounds and four assists).

“For a while, we enjoyed qualifying, but now we have to set our minds in the game against Brazil because we want to finish first in our group. I'm quite certain that we can do so,” she assured in relation to the derby that will be played tonight.

Coach Santander was straightforward: “We have to go out against Brazil as if it were the last game of our lives.” Argentina holds very good memories of FIBA Americas 2015 Canada, when they won the Group Phase and the third overall place. Their last game against the Brazilians was the South American Championship 2016 Semi-Finals, in which their neighbors earned the tournament’s first place.

In relation to the chemistry the Argentines have with their public, Rosset explained: “it’s what we want to build. Although women’s basketball isn't as developed as men’s, it’s a beautiful performance as well. Being able to transmit our emotions to the people is very nice.”

FIBA