Argentina defeat USA in sold-out Superdomo, take key step towards World Cup qualification

LA RIOJA (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019) - The Argentine national team overpowered the United States, 80-63, and are now very close to qualifying to the FIBA Basketball World Cup. At La Rioja’s Superdomo Stadium, which was filled with more than 10,000 fans, the Albicelestes added a great triumph to their tally, which places them as the only leaders of Group E, with 8 victories and only one defeat.

Nicolás Laprovittola led with his 17-point contribution (3/3 in 2 PTs, 3/10 in 3 PTs and 2/2 in free throws) and 8 assists. Lucio Redivo followed with 14 points and 2 rebounds (2/3 in 2 PTs, 2/4 in 3 PTs and 4/4 in free throws). Nicolás Brussino collaborates with 11 more (2/3 in 3 PTs) and 6 rebounds, and captain Luis Scola ended with 10 points (5/9 in 2 PTs), 4 assists and 9 rebounds.

As for the outstanding members of the North American team, Travis Trice contributed 16 points (3/5 in 3 PTs and 3/4 in free throws) and 4 assists, Chasson Randle added 9 points, as did Scotty Hopson and Reggie Hearn, who also managed 3 rebounds.

Argentina went from a little to a lot, starting with a lost quarter, 0-12, but empowered by its changes, especially in mid-court, with Redivo and Scola and his inside game, who was able to reverse the scoreboard with a very significant reaction. United States didn't step the line (0/0) in the first quarter and weren't able to score in the counter-attack -- their weapon was the three-point shot (6 in the first half). The first segment went to the visiting team, 16-13; the second quarter favored the locals, 22-16; and the first half ended 35-32 with the locals on the lead.

Argentine small forward Nicolás Brussino was essential in the third quarter with a dunk and two three-pointers that distanced Argentina with an 18-point difference in the third quarter. The low efficiency in three-pointers by Team USA (0/5) favored the locals in the third quarter, which they won 23-8, 58-40. The conclusive period was clearly dominated by the Argentines, who defended and didn't allow the visiting side to surpass the 65 points to close the quarter (23-22).

The team coached by Sergio Hernández captured 45 rebounds (36 defensive) and handed 17 assists. It also achieved 18 of 31 two-point shots (58.06%) and 10 of 32 three-pointers (31.25%), as well as 14 of 24 free throws. Besides, they scored 44.44% in field goals (28-63).

As for the side led by Jeff Van Gundy, they threw 27.59% from the three-point area (8 of 29) and 25.21% in field goals (25 of 71), 17 of 42 two-pointers, and 5 of 12 free throws (41.67%), while capturing 44 rebounds (31 defensive) and executing 8 assists.

Thanks to their triumph, Argentina (8-1) are now the only Group E leaders and their aspirations to qualify to the World Cup remain intact. Meanwhile, the United States (7-2) suffered the loss of those valuable points as visitors to secure their ticket to China and now must defeat Uruguay on Sunday, in Montevideo.

The next encounter for the Argentines will be on Sunday against Mexico, also as locals, at the Superdomo. If they win this encounter, their qualification to the World Cup will be a fact.

Argentina and the United States will face each other once again on February 25 in Greensboro, North Carolina for the conclusion of the Americas Qualifiers.

FIBA