POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Juan Pablo Vaulet
Group A
Venezuela - Colombia 75-87
Colombia celebrated the initial win at the U17 South American Championship. They knocked down Venezuela for 1-1 record in Group A. Venezuela suffered the first defeat at the tournament and fell at 2-1 record. Yildon Mendoza tallied 21 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Colombia. The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Colombia snatched a 22:20 lead after ten minutes. The teams traded baskets throughout the second frame. Colombia secured a narrow 39:37 halftime lead. Venezuela managed to erase the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the fourth frame tied at 54. However Colombia unloaded 33 points in the final period and snatched the victory at the end. Hansel Atencia (97) delivered 20 points, 8 steals and 7 assists, while Andre Ibarguen added 18 points and 17 rebounds for Colombia. Jose Sojo answered with 16 points for Venezuela. Evert Bernal dropped 13 points in the loss.
Bolivia - Ecuador 47-71
Ecuador snapped two-game losing skid and celebrated the first win at the U17 European Championship in Uruguay. They defeated Bolivia for 1-2 record in Group B. Joel Quinonez) stepped up with 19 points and 18 rebounds for the winners. Ecuador snatched a 13:11 lead after ten minutes of action. They boosted the gap in the second frame. Ecuador accumulated a 30:21 halftime lead. Ecuador cleared off in the third term. They went on a 27:5 rally to build an unassailable 31-point advantage before the fourth frame. Ecuador never looked back en route to the win. Erick Cobena and Luis Bahamonde chipped in 15 points each for the winners. Ricardo Montano answered with 13 points for Bolivia. Pablo Castellanos dropped 12 points in the losing effort.
Group B
Uruguay - Argentina 56-63
Argentina claimed the second consecutive victory at the U17 South American Championship. They defeated hosting Uruguay to remain on top of Group B. Juan Pablo Vaulet (198-PF-96) stepped up with 27 points and 17 rebounds to lead the winners. Argentina snatched a 16:11 lead after ten minutes. Uruguay denied the deficit in the second frame. The hosts jumped to a 24:23 halftime lead. Uruguay and Argentina exchanged baskets throughout the third term. Uruguay entered the fourth frame up by a single point 38:37. But Argentina exploded with 26 points in the fourth frame and snatched a tough win at the end. Jose Vildoza (190-G-96) posted 12 points and 10 boards, while Juan Arengo and Martin Gomez added 6 points each for the winners. Octavio Medina (F-96) led all scorers with 32 points. Facundo Grolla (193-C-97) chipped in 17 points and pulled down 12 boards for Uruguay.
