POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Raul Neto
Semifinals
Argentina U17 Venezuela U17 100:49
Joel Comba (198-F-92) nailed 18 points to propel Argentina into the final game of the U17 South American Championship. The tornaments defending champions toppled Venezuela to reach the title game. Argentina had an overwhelming advantage in the game leading from start to finish. They scored 29 points in the starting frame which was worth a 19-point lead into the second stanza. Argentina continued their onslaught in the second frame. They knocked down 24 points to pile up a massive 53:18 cushion at halftime. Venezuela did not come back to life in the second half. Argentina eased to a 26:11 third frame success to clear off to an unassailable advantage. They eased to the win in the final term and booked their spot in the Final. Tomas Zanzotera fired 14 points for Argentina. Fernando Podesta had 13 points and 9 boards in the winning case. Jose Silvera (-92) replied with 14 points for Venezuela. Anthony Perez provided 11 points in the loss. Venezuela will play against Brazil in the Bronze medals game. Argentina will be challenged by hosting Uruguay later tonight.
Argentina U17: Joel Comba 18, Tomas Zanzotera 14, Fernando Podesta 13
Venezuela U17: Jose Silvera 14, Anthony Perez 11
Uruguay U17 - Brazil U17 81:77 (OT)
Uruguay defeated Brazil in a dramatic overtime semifinal clash at the U17 South American Championship. The hosts now paved their way into the championship game where they are going to face the defending champions Argentina. Brazil will now play in consolation final against Venezuela.
Brazil had the upper hand in the starting frame. They went on an 11:3 run to pile up a 16:9 lead midway through the frame. Uruguay managed to clip the margin to 5 points after ten minutes. But Uruguay responded equally in the second term. They notched 10 straight points to grab a 35:25 advantage. Brazil got closer but Alex Alvarez (-93) capped the first half with a three-pointer to give the home team a 37:33 advantage at the interval.
The teams exchanged the baskets throughout the third frame and Uruguay maintained the buffer. The home side entered the final quarter leading by 6 points. Brazil leveled things up for several times during the final term. However Uruguay were up by 2 after free throws from Ivan Loriente with 13 seconds remaining. But Raul Togni (184-G-92) responded with a late jumper to force the extra period. Alex Alvarez became the hero of the game or Uruguay as he poured in 12 points in the overtime to sink Brazil.
Alex Alvarez finished the encounter with 28 points. Ivan Loriente had 26 points and 6 boards for the winners. Raul Togni answered with 26 points for Brazil. Felipe Taddei provided 14 points in the losing case.
Uruguay U17: Alex Alvarez 28, Ivan Loriente 26, Diego Garcia 9
Brazil U17: Raul Togni 26, Felipe Taddei 14
5th-8th spots
Ecuador U17 - Chile U17 79:66
Ecuador youngsters posted the initial win at the U17 South American Championship. They held off Chile in the round of games for the 5th-8th spots. Ecuador will now take on Colombia for the 5th spot. Chile will try to gain the 7th spot when they face Paraguay later tonight.
Ecuador looked dominant in this one. Relying on a stifling defense and a pivotal performance from Diego Chachapollas (-92) Ecuador cruised. Ecuador limited their opponents to 10 points in the starting quarter and enjoyed a 6-point advantage at the first break. Chile did not say die and turned the tables in the second stanza. Francisco Pavez and Franco Morales (179-G-92) helped Chile to sharpen offense as they outscored Ecuador and trailed by just 4 points at halftime.
But the second half turned into a one-man show as Diego Chachapollas stepped up for Ecuador. He unloaded 21 points in twenty minutes to give his team a necessary boost. Ecuador accounted for 50 points in the half leaving Chile with no chance whatsoever.
Diego Chachapollas poured in 31 points and pulled down 6 boards t lead Ecuador. Alan Dunn came up with 12 points, while Juan Maldonado had 10 points in the win. Franco Morales nailed 18 points and collected 7 boards for Chile. Francisco Pavez contributed 17 points in defeat.
Ecuador U17: Diego Chachapollas 31, Alan Dunn 12, Juan Maldonado 10
Chile U17: Franco Morales 18, Francisco Pavez 17
Colombia U17 - Paraguay U17 61:56
Colombian U17 National Team held off Paraguay at the South American Championship in Uruguay. They now have a chance to occupy the fifth spot in the overall ladder if they beat Ecuador later tonight. Paraguay will play for the 7th spot against Chilean counterparts.
Colombia struggled early in the game. They accounted for just 9 points in the opening frame allowing Paraguay to accumulate a 5-point lead after ten minutes. But Paraguay returned the favor in the second stanza. They scored only 5 points as Colombia grabbed a 20:19 lead at halftime. The teams adjusted in the third quarter trading baskets. Colombia were just a bit more accurate taking a 42:40 advantage into the fourth term. Paraguay tried hard but failed to save the game at the end. Jorge Salazar (-94) knocked down 17 points to lead the Colombian team. Edwin Cortez provided 16 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Carlos Luis Vallejos (-92) answered with game-high 23 points for Paraguay. Manuel Aponte finished with 10 points in defeat.
Colombia U17: Jorge Salazar 17, Edwin Cortez 16+17 boards, Francisco Castro 9+23 boards
Paraguay U17: Carlos Luis Vallejos 23, Manuel Aponte 10
