USA edges Argentina in back-and-forth on Day 2 of Women’s AmeriCup

LEON (Mexico) – The defending champions Team USA faced a real test in their second game against Argentina as USA got the edge to win 65-56 thanks to a strong third quarter on Sunday afternoon at Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

From the start of the game neither team pulled in front quickly but rather was a back and forth affair as Argentina’s Andrea Boquete and USA’s Angel Reese took turns taking the scoring reigns during the first quarter.

USA held onto the lead through the first frame as Lauren Betts led the team with 6 points and Reese had already grabbed 8 boards.

Argentina never trailed by much and grabbed lead just over halfway through first quarter thanks to work from Candela Gentinetta finding the basket and keeping Argentina ahead with just over a minute to play, but USA would get the best of the quarter leading 19-18 after 10 minutes of action.

Knowing what Boquete was capable of, USA held her to just 5 points in the second quarter and held Gentinetta scoreless as Argentina produced just 11 points of offence despite great efforts from Julieta Mungo off the bench.

Rickea Jackson took charge when it came to scoring in the second quarter for USA, but the depth of the USA squad carried them as five different players had tallied 4 or more points through two quarters.

Both teams struggled from beyond the three-point arc in the game but it was USA’s ability to convert from the free throw line and score off Argentina’s turnovers that gave them a four-point gap going into the half 33-29.

Argentina’s quick defense was able to keep USA from lighting up the way they have previously done gabbing 8 steals, and in response Melisa Gretter was all over the floor in the game as Argentina’s offense kept pace with USA.

But with no answer for Jackson, as well as the help of Betts, Charisma Osborne and Jewel Spear, USA was able to get their bench on the scoreboard while players like Reese handled controlling the glass and led by 9 going into the final frame.

Both teams went back and forth in the final quarter, each scoring 16 points, but the third quarter effort from USA was enough to keep their lead to get the victory over one of the toughest opponents they will face during the competition.

Jackson led USA with 17 points and 5 rebounds while Betts added 10 points, 11 rebounds and Reese added 5 points and a team-leading 15 rebounds.

Boquete led Argentina with 16 points and Gretter tallied 11 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in the loss.

FIBA