2015 FIBA Americas: Argentina extends winning run
The Dominican Republic tipped off day 4 at the 2015 FIBA Americas by beating Uruguay 70-90 to remain in the hunt for qualification. The victory was the second in as many days for the Dominicans, and after losing their opening two contests the islanders are looking better having won two on the bounce to keep dreams alive (2-2). As for Uruguay, the South Americans sit on 1-2 and will need to win its remaining ties to progress.
In the other early game Argentina came back after a day’s rest at the 2015 FIBA Americas and tore apart hapless Cuba, running away with a victory. The success maintained the unbeaten record the Argentines have started with and sent the team through to the next stage.
Uruguay vs. Dominican Republic, 70-90
The Dominican Republic used a big first half to get this win, although the Uruguayans will be disappointed with their own ice cold start to the game. The first quarter set the tone early on as the Dominican Republic surged ahead 11-21 through ten minutes. In the second frame the Caribbean nation maintained the momentum and used a 12-21 run to make it 23-42 through halftime. The damage had already been done, but Uruguay improved in the second half, but in the third act lost 22-23 to fall another point behind through thirty minutes (45-65). The teams traded in an exciting fourth quarter that ended 25-25, enough for the Dominican Republic to claim victory.
James Feldeince topped the winning team with 17 points, while Edward Santana followed with 16 points. Edgar Sosa and Eulis Baez managed 14 points apiece, with Baez adding 7 rebounds.
Bruno Fitipaldo led Uruguay with a game high 18 points, while Mauricio Aguiar added 15 points, Nicolas Borsellino 13 points, and Kiril Wachsmann 13 boards.
Argentina vs. Cuba, 96-64
Argentina put more than thirty points on Cuba in another impressive display. Sure, this victory came against a Cuba that has been heavily beaten consistently at the 2015 FIBA Americas so far, but Argentina looked slick in offence once more. However, Cuba started strong and stayed with the South Americans during the first quarter until the Argentine’s edged the frame 23-22. In the second stanza Cuba hit back with incredible spirit to kill the game as a spectacle, frustrating Argentina with a 12-13 run that made it all square at the long break, 35-35.
The halftime team talk must have done the Argentine contingent well as the players emerged for the third quarter in much better form. Indeed, they blitzed Cuba 34-10 in a hugely impressive period that made it 69-45 after thirty minutes on the hardwood. In the fourth quarter Argentina consolidated its dominance with a 27-19 run that killed the game.
Luis Scola was good for 11 points and 8 rebounds in the winning effort, while Nicolas Laprovittola and Gabriel Deck also drained 11 points each.
In the losing team Jasiel Rivero was sensational in keeping the Cubans in the contest during the first half, he finished with a game high 25 points. Javier Justiz was also big with the only double-double of the game, 11 points and 13 rebounds.