Argentina defeated the Dominican Republic and qualified for the World Cup

In another dramatic game, the U16 won 74-67 and won the ticket for Turkey 2024. Lots of character, enormous wear and a colossal Iván Prato, author of 28 points and 25 rebounds. On Saturday, the semis.

Huge relief, celebration and euphoria for the U16 Men’s National Team. For the quarterfinals of the FIBA ​​Americas in the category, which is held in Mérida, Mexico, they defeated the Dominican Republic 74-67 and not only got into the semis, but also became the first classified for the World Cup in Turkey 2024 Great credit to the boys, who carried out a game in which they committed 24 losses against an uncomfortable, gusty and intense rival. Spectacular work by Iván Prato and Tyler Kropp in the paint and on the boards. They combined for 43 points and 40 rebounds. The national team is still in the race for the title, the semis will be this Saturday against the winner of Canada and Mexico.

The match began with the Dominican Republic setting the pace and imposing their game. The Caribbeans, who were characterized throughout the tournament by an intense and aggressive defense, caused five quick losses in the boys. However, Argentina straightened the course thanks to an electric entry from Matías Dominé. At the end of the period and before the rival’s zone defense, Iván Prato appeared to charge the offense and attack the paint. The intern added 11 points and 8 rebounds in the first quarter and Argentina closed up 21-19.

The start of the second period was uphill for the national team. He again accumulated losses in the face of intense defensive pressure from the rival and had trouble securing the rebound on his own backboard, allowing second shots. With very little offensive volume, the Dominicans turned it around, limiting the boys to just four points in the first five minutes. At the end, Prato took charge of the rebounds and his teammates were able to get the ball to him near the basket, which allowed him to recover the advantage and close the first half up 31-27 in a context of low goalscoring and carelessness.

Iván Prato was absolutely dominant and the main person responsible for the partial advantage. In 20 minutes of play he had 17 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks. The rest of the team had a hard time getting into rhythm and finding effectiveness. By halftime, Argentina had accumulated 15 turnovers, 1/9 from three points and 2/7 from free throws.

The return from the locker room was aggressive and unbeatable for Argentina, which went 10-2 and got a maximum of 12 in the first minutes, executing with greater lucidity in the face of rival pressure and finally taking advantage of the counterattack. With the passing of the minutes, the Dominican Republic reacted and raised a lot in offense. But the three-point ring was opened for the boys, with 4/5 in the fourth, and that allowed them to close the highest-scoring run of the game (26-20) with an advantage of ten: 57-47.

At the beginning of the last quarter things got complicated. Argentina scored three points in the first five minutes and the Dominican Republic made three three-pointers in that period to get decidedly in the game. The boys felt the defensive pressure and the nervousness of what was at stake, to top it off, they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities from the free throw line. Argentina remained on top because the work of Kropp and Prato in offensive and defensive rebounding was colossal, it gave life to the team.

The closing was dramatic. Although Argentina got seven with a triple from Prato, the Dominicans came back and got within two with 34 seconds to play. Tyler Kropp grabbed an offensive rebound, fouled out and hit both for four. The Dominican made a mistake, Argentina rushed, lost one more ball and gave them an extra chance, but Fernández missed both and cut with a free kick. Prato, this time, scored both free kicks and sealed the story, clinching the pass to the semis and qualifying for the U17 World Cup next year.

Tough, long-suffering but very gratifying victory to become the first qualifier for the 2024 World Cup in Turkey. Huge character and collective effort to pull off a sloppy game against an uncomfortable rival. Iván Prato was stellar, signing an amazing scoresheet: 28 points, 25 rebounds and 6 blocks in 36 minutes. Tyler Kropp was the ideal complement to him, with 15 points and 15 boards. Martín Torriani added 14 with 4 assists and was fundamental in driving against the rival defense.

Although Argentina said it was present in all the men’s U17 World Cups in history, each classification is unique, very valuable and cannot be overlooked, since it ensures another year of work for the litter and the opportunity to add international friction against powers world championships, something essential for the development of boys. In an even tournament, with an open stage, those led by Juan Pablo Fernández achieved the goal that they went to look for Mérida by showing their faces in difficult moments. Argentina is in another World Cup, the joy is immense and the celebration is more than deserved.

STATISTICS

Photos: Courtesy of FIBA