Chile makes history after defeating Argentina in 2025 AmeriCup Qualifiers

VALDIVIA (Chile) – Chile finally got the signature win they’d been on the verge of achieving, defeating Argentina, 79-77, Sunday night at Coliseo Antonio Azurmendi in Valdivia.

The result now all 4 teams with 1-1 records in Group A after Window 1 of 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers.

Turning point: Despite Argentina jumping to a quick 6-0 lead, Chile showed from early in the game that they were ready to have a special night. The went on a 13-0 run to take the lead and opened a 20-point lead (31-11) early in the second quarter.

Argentina took a brief 60-59 lead at the end of the third quarter, but Chile never flinched, going on another 8-0 to reclaim a lead they would never surrender.

Player of the Game: Manuel Suárez gave Argentina a major warning on Thursday, and Sunday night he had his coming out party.

The 6’10 big man scored 29 points on 10/16 from the field (including 8/10 at the free throw line) and added 9 rebounds, an assist and a block.

He got 11 of those in the 4th quarter as Chile, including this tough bucket to give Chile a 75-73 lead:

Franco Morales added 17 points and 6 assists for Chile.

Gabriel Deck (20 points and 7 rebounds) and Facundo Campazzo (16 points and 9 assists) led the way for Argentina, but they shot a combined 11/33 from the field.

Leandro Bolmaro (12 points) and Nicolas Brussino (11) also scored in double digits for the visiting squad.

Stats don’t lie: On a game where both teams shot below 40 percent from the field, the free throw line ended up tipping the scales.

While Chile went 15/17 at the charity stripe, Argentina shot 15/22. Chile had a 46-38 edge on the boards and, surprisingly, their reserves outscored Argentina’s 45-12.

Bottom line: The win Chile to move to 1-1 in Group A and get them in great position to advance. Later in the year, they’ll host both Colombia and Venezuela in the perfect opportunity to keep adding wins to their ledger.

Argentina now also has a 1-1 record as they seek not only to return to AmeriCup, but also defend the crown they won in the 2022 edition. Now they’ll host Venezuela and Colombia during the November window as they try to recover from another setback.

FIBA