USA defeat Uruguay, earn World Cup qualification

MONTEVIDEO (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019) — The United States defeated Uruguay, 78-70, and ensured their ticket to the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China 2019. A great 22-6 quarter in the last 5:50 minutes left of the game gave the chance to Van Gundy's team to turn around a game that was averse to their side, thus earning their eighth triumph in these Qualifiers.

Travis Trice was the greatest scorer for the winners, with 17 units, and was key in the last quarter. So was was Moreland, who made 10 points and added 13 rebounds to control defensively the rival forwards. It was also during those last minutes when Jenkins was fundamental for the offense and scored all his three free throws.

As for the Uruguayans, Bruno Fitipaldo was the best in the offense, with 17 points, but Luciano Parodi was outstanding, with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. For the Celestes now the point against Puerto Rico is key to qualify to the World Cup, since they're tied in the positions and the February 25th game will determine who will be Group E’s third qualifying team.

The beginning of the game favored the visiting side who, led by Jenkins and Salomon established distances of up to 7 points (20-13). Outside shots gave the United States the difference while making them strong on the defense to offense.

But Uruguay also reacted, also with three pointers as their great ally. The entrance of Izaguirre and Vial gave the locals a greater defensive intensity, and with Parodi as the spearhead in guarding the game, turned the game around and were able to surpass the United States by 4 (35-31) with a 14-5 quarter. From there on the Uruguayans led the quarter, made 8/15 in three-pointers and went to the half-time in the advantage, 40-39.

Uruguay boosted that great game during the entire third quarter. It was a team that passed the ball very efficiently and looked for the best shooter. Every time, the point guard was in the defense, lowering their rival to 11 points in those 10 minutes before the arriving at the last quarter leading by 4 (54-50).

Led by Barrera and Vidal, the locals achieved their greatest advantage, by 8 (64-56), with 5:50 left for the conclusion, but the rest was all for the visiting team. A quick 4-0 by Trice and more free throws by Hopson with 2:25 left to the close gave them the chance to dominate the game (66-65) and put all pressure on the hosts. The United States made no mistakes on the free throws (10/10) and made 16-1 to sentence the game, with 1:20 left to play. The 72-65 score with which they entered the final hit Uruguay hard, who were left reaction-less close to the end.

This game gives the United States the chance of being the second qualifying team of Group E. Meanwhile, Uruguay — no matter what happens against Mexico on their next game — must defeat Puerto Rico in San Juan to secure their ticket to the next World Cup.

FIBA