The U18 suffered from the physical power of Canada, which broke it in the close and won 81-57. The boys did not get on the podium but they achieved their great goal in Tijuana: international contact and a ticket to the World Cup.
In its last appearance at the FIBA Americas in Tijuana, the U18 Men’s National Team felt the wear and tear of a demanding tournament and fell to Canada 81-57 in the match for third place. Argentina had effectiveness problems, but played as equals for three quarters, even scoring a maximum of eight in the first half. But Canada imposed its physical superiority and dominated the painted area on both sides. In this way, the boys finished in fourth place with a record of three wins and three losses, they got their ticket to next year’s World Cup in Hungary and ensured the continuity of their process at the international level. A very successful 2022 for a litter that had its official debut in the national jersey.
Argentina had trouble getting into an offensive rhythm, in fact, it took almost five minutes to score their first basket. But the good defense allowed to keep the Canadian cast close on the scoreboard. In a context of inaccuracy and low scoring, the boys closed the first quarter down 13-10, shooting only 3/13 from the field with 1/8 triples and 6 turnovers, but with a great income from Marchiaro who contributed a breath of fresh air on the close.
The beginning of the second quarter was fantastic for those led by Herman Mandole. With a great pass from Lee Aaliya, Diego Collomb and Benjamín Marchiaro, Argentina capitalized on the good defensive work with baskets on the other side. The boys passed the ball and the three-point ring opened to score a 14-3 run in the first minutes and get a maximum of eight. However, Canada reacted in the second part of the period, found a way around the zonal defense and took command again at the close to lead 33-31 at halftime.
The return of the locker room was delayed due to problems in one of the baskets, the game was delayed several minutes and that was felt at the beginning of the third quarter. Both teams started cold but Canada was the one that hit first against the zonal defense proposed by Argentina. The North Americans executed better and found effectiveness of three points. And although Argentina got up on offense as the minutes passed and began to add up, Canada scored 25 points in the quarter and ran away 58-48 heading into the final ten minutes.
In the last quarter, Canada ended up breaking the game. With his physical and athletic superiority, he closed the painting of a national cast that was not fine with distance shots and depended exclusively on what was generated near the hoop. His rival fed on the defensive task to run and hurt where he performs best, on the open court. He went on a 23-9 run to win the 81-57 victory. In Argentina, Santiago Trouet was the highlight, the Estudiantes de Madrid player finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds, accompanied by Collomb’s 10 points.
In this way, the National Team closed a solid task in the contest. They finished fourth, with three wins and three losses, having secured their ticket to next year’s World Cup in Hungary and adding significant friction against top international teams such as the United States, Canada and Brazil. The litter closes a year of deep and positive work, with extensive raking to meet a class that had suffered greatly from the consequences of the pandemic in our country, including two summer camps in La Rioja and Saladas. He participated in two international tournaments and in both he achieved his main objectives: silver medal and qualification in the South American, fourth place and ticket to the World Cup in FIBA Americas. Best of all, the boys made sure that their work process has one more year of official continuity and an international elite tournament on the horizon for next year.
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Photos: Kindness FIBA
