Final: Argentina - Uruguay 100:95
Argentina earned the title at the South American Championship in Puerto Montt in Chile. Yesterday Argentinean team narrowly edged Uruguay to claim the championship crown. Argentina avenged the elimination round loss to Uruguay several days ago. Argentina used a 13:0 run in the first frame to spur ahead. They enjoyed a 28:21 lead at the first intermission.
Final: Argentina - Uruguay 100:95 Argentina earned the title at the South American Championship in Puerto Montt in Chile. Yesterday Argentinean team narrowly edged Uruguay to claim the championship crown. Argentina avenged the elimination round loss to Uruguay several days ago. Argentina used a 13:0 run in the first frame to spur ahead. They enjoyed a 28:21 lead at the first intermission. Argentinean players stretched the margin to 11 points midway through the second period but Uruguay managed to strike back. They closed the first half with a 10:3 rally to trail by 3 points at the interval. Argentina once again ran away to a 10-point distance in the third stanza but not for long though. Uruguay revived the intrigue when Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) allowed his side to tie the game at 83 in the fourth quarter. But Diego Garcia (186-G-79) and Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79) propelled Argentina to a dramatic victory at the end. Paolo Quinteros finished with 23 points and 4 steals in a win. Diego Garcia scored 21 points, while Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) and Maximiliano Stanic (178-G-78, agency: Players Group) had 15 points apiece for Argentina. Leandro Garcia Morales replied with game-high 33 points for Uruguay. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) provided 18 points and 13 boards in a loss. Argentina: Paolo Quinteros 23, Diego Garcia 21, Roman Gonzalez 15, Maximiliano Stanic 15 Uruguay: Leandro Garcia Morales 33, Esteban Batista 18+13 boards
Consolation Final: Venezuela - Brazil 87:72 Venezuela could have claimed the last available spot in the Final Four but they proved they were well worth it yesterday. Venezuelan team stunned Brazil to grab the Bronze medals at the South America Championship held in Chile. Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) masterminded the victory nailing game-high 26 points and pulling down 8 boards. Brazil got to a better start to the game and opened an early lead. Venezuela however kept it close and trailed by just a single point 18:19 at the end of the first stanza. However Venezuela quickly denied the deficit. They prevailed in the second period to build a 40:34 advantage at halftime. Venezuela never slowed down after the break and kept mounting the pressure. They play very cautiously and were deadly from the charity stripe. Venezuela stretched the lead to 8 points heading into the final stanza. Venezuela limited offensive force of Brazilian backcourt and capitalized keeping their opponents at bay through the rest of the contest. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) produced 14 points and 9 boards for Venezuela. Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) was helpful with 13 points in a win. William Fornou (204-C-81) answered with 21 points for Brazil. Caio Torres (211-C-87) had 16 points and 13 boards in defeat. The teams were well-matched on the glass with 37 boards apiece. Venezuela committed just 7 turnovers down the stretch and converted 85% from the free throw line. Both sides secured their 2009 FIBA Americas Championship birth. Venezuela: Oscar Torres 26, Axiers Sucre 14, Jose Vargas 13 Brazil: William Fornou 21, Caio Torres 16+13 boards
Venezuela - Colombia 82:75
Venezuelan National Team claimed the last available spot in the South American Championship Final Four. It also means they already qualified for the 2009 FIBA Americas tournament. Venezuela will now meet with Brazil in today's Bronze medals clash. Yesterday Venezuela took on Colombia in the must-win fixture of the last round of preliminary action. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78, agency: DR.
Venezuela - Colombia 82:75 Venezuelan National Team claimed the last available spot in the South American Championship Final Four. It also means they already qualified for the 2009 FIBA Americas tournament. Venezuela will now meet with Brazil in today's Bronze medals clash. Yesterday Venezuela took on Colombia in the must-win fixture of the last round of preliminary action. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) came up with the strongest performance at the tournament so far to propel Venezuela to a vital win at the end. He finished with 22 points and 8 boards and the team got the last train to the Final Four. Venezuela opened the game confidently as they outscored their opponents 26:18 in the first frame. Venezuela relied mainly on their defense as they limited Colombia to 13 points in the second period to enjoy an 11-point cushion at halftime. The complexion of the game never changed in the third period as Venezuela always stayed one step in front. They stretched the margin to 14 points before the final period. And though Colombia fought bravely and clawed their way back within a striking distance Venezuela secured the winning outcome at the end and celebrated an important victory. Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) provided 17 points, while Oscar Torres nailed 11 points and grabbed 7 boards in a win. Camilo Londono (188-G-83) answered with 25 points for Colombia. Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) had 15 points and 10 boards in defeat. Venezuela outrebounded their opponents 32:28 and converted 51% from the field.
Brazil - Uruguay 86:77 Brazil wrapped up their preliminary campaign at the South American Championship in style. Yesterday they handed the first loss to Uruguay at the competition. Brazil however did not make it to the Final and would play for Bronze medals against Venezuela later tonight. The game against Uruguay turned into a seesaw battle especially in the first half. The teams were equally matched during the first period however Brazilian players managed to pull away with a 25:24 lead. Uruguay adjusted their defense in the second quarter and surged ahead 40:37 at halftime. But an inspirational performance from William Fornou (204-C-81) after the long break changed the complexion of the encounter. Brazil went prevailed in the third quarter as they denied the deficit and built a 3-point cushion before the final frame. Brazil kept it cool at the dying stages and finalized an impressive 86:77 win at the end. William Fornou came up with game-high 30 points. Caio Torres (211-C-87) provided 18 points and 14 boards, while Helio Vitor Lima and Arthur Luiz Belchior knocked down 12 points apiece for the winners. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-G-75, agency: Players Group) and Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) answered with 18 points for Uruguay. Castrillion had 10 points in a loss. Uruguay advanced to the championship game despite the defeat. They would face Argentina later today.
Chile - Argentina 70:87 Chilean National Team wrapped up their South American Championship campaign winless. They suffered the fifth straight loss against Argentina yesterday and remained at the bottom of the table. Chile never looked weaker down the stretch but Argentinean team used all the experience to prevail at the end. They will now play against Uruguay in the Final tonight. Chile trailed by just 2 points after the opening stanza 15:17. Argentina kept in front throughout the second quarter but managed to pile up only a 6-point advantage at halftime. The breakthrough came in the third stanza as the visitors led by Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) went on a run and opened a double-digit lead. Argentina were up 48:36 midway through the frame before stretching the margin to 14 points 57:43. Chile still kept fighting but could not deal with a well-balanced Argentinean offense. The visitors breezed in the final minutes and widened the gap to unassailable 20 points in the dying moments. Chile could not recover and suffered a bitter loss at the end. Roman Gonzalez led all scorers with 25 points. Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79) provided 16 points, while Andres Pelussi netted 13 in a win. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) answered with 19 points for Chile. Emilio Paris (196-F/C-74) dropped 14 points in a losing effort.
Brazil - Venezuela 94:84
Brazilian National Team earned their 3rd win at the South American Championship. Yesterday the tournaments favorites held off Venezuela to dim 2009 FIBA Americas qualification hopes for their opponents. Brazil led right from the start. A well-balanced offense never reminded of some sloppy action from the game against Argentina. Helio Vitor Lima (185-G-81) orchestrated the game well and Brazil found themselves ahead by 6 points at the end of the first frame.
Brazil - Venezuela 94:84 Brazilian National Team earned their 3rd win at the South American Championship. Yesterday the tournaments favorites held off Venezuela to dim 2009 FIBA Americas qualification hopes for their opponents. Brazil led right from the start. A well-balanced offense never reminded of some sloppy action from the game against Argentina. Helio Vitor Lima (185-G-81) orchestrated the game well and Brazil found themselves ahead by 6 points at the end of the first frame. Brazil kept on mounting the pressure and stretched the gap to 11 points at halftime. Venezuela tried to stay at a striking distance but failed to come any closer in the third stanza. Brazil wisely kept their counterparts at bay throughout the term and enjoyed a 12-point buffer before the final frame. Venezuela cut the distance a bit in the fourth frame but never seriously threatened Brazil dominance in the final minutes. Helio Vitor Lima finished with 21 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for Brazil. Caio Torres (211-C-87) provided 18 points and 11 boards, while Arthur Luiz Belchior and Fernando Colonoze provided 13 points apiece in a winning case. Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) knocked down 23 points and collected 7 boards for Venezuela. Axiers Sucre notched 10 points in defeat. Brazil had an overwhelming advantage under the rims as they outrebounded Venezuela 40:22. Brazil also converted solid 56% from the field. Venezuela takes on Colombia in a must-win fixture tonight.
Chile - Colombia 68:71 The home South American Championship will be full of bitter memories for Chilean National team. Yesterday they lost their fourth straight game at the tournament and three of them came with narrow margins. Chile took on winless Colombia yestreday but could not convert at the end. Chile entered the game bravely and easily marched past their opponents to a 26:18 lead at the end of the first quarter. But Colombia had something in store for the hosts. Edgar Moreno (191-G-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: UTEP) nailed a couple of impressive baskets igniting Colombia in the second stanza. The visitors outgunned Chile 22:13 in the period and grabbed a 40:39 lead at halftime. Chile looked taken aback in the third frame as they nailed just 9 points and allowed Colombia to clear off to an 11-point distance. Chile did not say die and rushed to deny the deficit in the final quarter. They cut to minimum in the dying seconds but Enielsen Guevara (204-F/C-82) and Edgar Moreno sealed the winning outcome for Colombian team. Thus Colombia revived their chances of making to the final four; they now need to defeat Venezuela in the final round of action. Edgar Moreno topscored with 24 points and 6 boards for Colombia. Enielsen Guevara dropped 18 points, while Juan Londoco provided 12 in a win. Patricio Briones (213-C-72, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes, college: Dade CC) answered with 22 points and 11 boards for Chile. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) had 17 points in defeat. Chile will take on Argentina in the final round of elimination round.
Uruguay - Argentina 102:93 Uruguayan National Team continued their perfect run at the South American Championship in Chile. Argentina became their next victim as they topped one of the tournaments favorites 102:93. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-G-75, agency: Players Group) came up with a pivotal performance of 36 points and 6 assists to pace Uruguay to the 4th win in a row. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) was once again impressive with 24 points and 16 boards in a winning case. Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79) led Argentina with 28 points in a losing case. Uruguay will take on Brazil in the final round. Argentina will face hosting Chile to wrap up the elimination round campaign.
Chile - Venezuela 76:94
Venezuela finally delivered when it matter the most. They overcame Chile on Day 3 of the South American Championship in Puerto Montt to spark their hopes to qualify to the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship. The teams had their backs against the wall before the game as they hoped to claim the first win and retain chances of making it to the final four at the end. The hosts opened the game in full speed quickly jumping to a comfortable lead.
Chile - Venezuela 76:94 Venezuela finally delivered when it matter the most. They overcame Chile on Day 3 of the South American Championship in Puerto Montt to spark their hopes to qualify to the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship. The teams had their backs against the wall before the game as they hoped to claim the first win and retain chances of making it to the final four at the end. The hosts opened the game in full speed quickly jumping to a comfortable lead. Chile grabbed a 19:11 lead into the second stanza. But Venezuela pretty quickly recovered to stun the hosts in the second period. The visitors outgunned Chilean team 26:11 to clinch a 37:30 advantage at halftime. Venezuela never stopped after the break led by Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes). They stretched the gap to 11 points before the final stanza. The fourth term turned into some high-flying basketball performance as the teams teamed up for 67 points. But Venezuela secured the winning outcome leaving Chile without FIBA Americas tournament in 2009. Jose Vargas knocked down 22 points to lead Venezuela. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) notched 16 points, while Jesus Centeno provided 14 in a winning effort. Patricio Briones (213-C-72, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes, college: Dade CC) answered with 20 points for Chile. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) nailed 17 points in a loss. Venezuela takes on Brazil today. Chile will looking for their initial victory against Colombia later tonight.
Brazil - Argentina 68:102 Argentina became the first team to book the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship birth at the South American Championship in Chile. Yesterday Argentinean team celebrated a stunning win over their arch-rivals Brazil and advanced to the semifinal meaning they would play at the FIBA Americas championship next year. Argentina proved stronger as they took care of the depleted Brazilian team. Brazil could not bring their best ballers to the tournament and it paid off against the stronger opponents. Argentina claimed a 17:13 lead after the starting stanza and kept mounting the pressure afterwards. They outgunned their opponents 35:16 in the second period to build a 23-point buffer at the interval. Brazil never recovered and conceded 26 points in the third stanza. It led to Argentina accumulating an unassailable 34-point cushion before the final quarter. Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) and his teammates eased to an overall victory at the end posting their third straight win at the competition. Gonzalez scored 20 points to lead the charge. Andres Pelussi (198-F-77) had 17 points, while Luis Cequeira nailed 12 in a win. Helio Vitor Lima (185-G-81) answered with 14 points for Brazil. Diego Pinheiro (196-F/G-80) notched 10 points and 5 assists in a loss. Brazil will face Venezuela next. Argentina will take on undefeated Uruguay tonight.
Uruguay - Colombia 88:78 Uruguay became the second team to qualify for the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship. They defeated Colombia yesterday to post their third straight victory at the South American Championship in Puerto Montt. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) poured in 21 points to pace Uruguayan side. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-G-75, agency: Players Group) was helpful with 16 points, while Esteban Batista reigned in the paint with 17 boards to go with 12 points. Norbey Aragon (193-G/F-78, college: Georgia SW) dropped game-high 28 points in the third straight loss for Colombia.
Venezuela - Uruguay 70:88
Venezuela suffered their second straight defeat at the start of the South American Championship in Puerto Montt. Yesterday Venezuelan National Team could not handle Uruguay. Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) once again led the charge for Venezuela but his effort proved insufficient for the win. Uruguay side led by Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) looked too good and deservedly grabbed the second win in a row at the tournament.
Venezuela - Uruguay 70:88 Venezuela suffered their second straight defeat at the start of the South American Championship in Puerto Montt. Yesterday Venezuelan National Team could not handle Uruguay. Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) once again led the charge for Venezuela but his effort proved insufficient for the win. Uruguay side led by Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) looked too good and deservedly grabbed the second win in a row at the tournament. Uruguay took over right from the start and came out of the first period leading by 5 points. Venezuela struggled to contain a high-flying Uruguayan offense and conceded 28 points in the second stanza. It allowed Uruguay to accumulate a safe 15-point cushion at the interval. Venezuela however refused to give up that early. Oscar Torres ignited a comeback rally from Venezuelan team as they shaved the deficit to only 4 points heading into the final period. But it effort had gone dry and Uruguay restored a double-digit lead early in the final frame. Venezuela failed to recover again and Uruguay celebrated a stunning win at the end. Esteban Batista bruised Venezuela with 22 points and 9 boards. Nicolas Mazzarino (181-G-75, agency: Players Group) provided 21 points and 6 assists, while Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) had 13 points in a win. Oscar Torres replied with 21 points for Venezuela. Axiers Sucre (198-F-78, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) tallied 12 points and 8 boards, while Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85, college: Frank Phillips JC) nailed 11 in defeat. Venezuela take on hosting Chile tonight in the race for four available qualifying spots to the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship. Uruguay plays against Colombia tonight.
Chile - Brazil 69:70 Brazilian National team grabbed their second straight win at the South American Championship in Puerto Montt. Yesterday Brazil snatched a narrow win over the hosts to remain among the top teams at the competition. Chile suffered their second consecutive defeat and once again it was a matter of the last seconds for Chile and they failed to convert. The hosts opened the game confidently keeping Brazilian depleted squad at distance. Chilean side limited their opponents to 13 points in the first frame and enjoyed a 4-point lead at the intermission. Brazil cut the distance to 2 points at halftime and soon spurred ahead. The visitors pulled ahead and accumulated a 2-point lead heading into the final stanza. They maintained the margin throughout the final term and still were up by 2 with 2 seconds left on the clock. Jorge Valencia got fouled and went to the charity stripe with a chance to force overtime. However only one of his shots hit the target and Brazil secured a dramatic victory. William Fornou (204-C-81) had 16 points and 6 boards to lead Brazil. Arthur Luiz Belchior (197-G/F-82) dropped 14 points, while Caio Torres (211-C-87) added 10 in a win. Patricio Briones (213-C-72, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes, college: Dade CC) answered with game-high 25 points and 8 boards for Chile. Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) dropped 17 points in a losing case. Brazil outrebounded their opponents 40:31 and limited Chile to just 33% from the field. Chile will face Venezuela today in a must-win fixture. Brazil take on their archrivals Argentina later tonight.
Argentina - Colombia 104:75 Argentinean National Team claimed the second consecutive win at the South American Championhip. They bruised Colombia yesterday to clinch the top spot in the ladder. Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79) fired game-high 30 points and Argentina drove to a cruising win at the end. Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) added 21 points and 10 boards, while Andres Pelussi dropped 19 in a winning effort. Edgar Moreno (191-G-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: UTEP) answered with 26 points for Colombia. Norbey Aragon (193-G/F-78, college: Georgia SW) secured 16 points as his team fell to 0-2 record at the start.
