Chile, Colombia, Argentina unbeaten after 3rd day of competition in South American U17

LIMA (FIBA South American U17 Championship 2017) - The third day of competition of the South American U17 Championship featured victories for Chile, Colombia, Argentina and Paraguay.

Chile opened the day with an important victory over Venezuela. The Chileans kicked off the game with great effectiveness and dominated 38-17 at the 20-minute mark. Venezuela could not be consistent in its offensive game, shooting 32.1 in field goal percentage, until the last quarter, which the team won 25-16. However, Chile’s advantage was too much (19 points entering the final quarter), and they won the game. The best player for the winning team was Kevin Rubio, with 20 points and 8 rebounds; while Venezuela's best was Fernando Fuenmayor, with 9 points and 7 rebounds. Chile improved their record to 2-0 against the Venezuelan national team, which has yet to win a game in this championship.

Colombia dominated hosts Peru, 85-34. The Colombian team showcased their superior skills from the very beginning, and won the first half, 52-17 to a Peruvian team that seemed to face serious problems on both sides of the court, more specifically on the paint, where they were dominated throughout the game. Colombia won in rebounds, 56-35 and distanced from Peru in points from the paint, 48-4. The best player for the winning team was Carlos Luque, with 9 points and 6 rebounds; while José Mesones was Peru’s best, with 6 points and 12 rebounds. Colombia improved its record to 2-0 against the Peruvian team, which lost its second game in a row during this championship.

Argentina impressively defeated Bolivia, 91-29. The Argentinians totally dominated the game with a great 53-point participation by the bench. Bolivia committed 38 turnovers. The best player for the Argentines was Juan Eydallin, with 18 points and 6 rebounds; Lazzaro Chapotin was Bolivia’s best, with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Argentina secured its first place in Group B with a 3-0 record. Bolivia has a 0-2 record in the tournament.

At the day’s last game, Paraguay achieved an important victory over Uruguay with a 66-57 final score. Uruguay initiated the game with an impressive 18-5 first quarter that was challenged with a second quarter of 21-9 to the Paraguayan’s advantage (which included a 15-0 strak), that allowed them to get back in the game. During the second half, Paraguay demonstrated their effectiveness, and shot a 43 field goal percentage, which sealed their victory. The best player for Paraguay was José Rolón, with 18 points and 9 rebounds; while Uruguaian Rodrigo Coelho was his defeated team’s best, with 10 points and 9 rebounds. With this triumph, Paraguay improved their record 2-1. On the other hand, Uruguay was left without any victories during the championship.

Undefeated teams Chile and Colombia will face off on the fourth competition day of the South American U17 Championship, as will Peru and Venezuela, and Bolivia and Uruguay. Meanwhile, Ecuador and Paraguay will clash over the second place in Group B.

The South American U17 Championship qualifies the best three teams for the FIBA Americas U18 Championship that will take place next year at St. Catharines, Canada.

You can access the live stats and coverage of the South American U17 Championship at fiba.basketball.

FIBA