Argentina did not find answers and fell to Venezuela

The Obras Sanitarias stadium was packed. The ticket booths were showing the “sold out” sign because there was not a single ticket available. All tickets had been sold to see one of the great games of the American Basketball Qualifiers heading to the 2023 World Cup, which will take place in three venues: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. No one wanted to miss the meeting between Argentina and Venezuela, which ended with the defeat of the national team by 71 to 58. And, despite being played in the City of Buenos Aires, the National Team did not feel entirely local since a large group of Venezuelan fans was present and did not stop encouraging to their players. Without a doubt, there was plenty of euphoria.

In addition, they had reasons to make themselves felt and to spare: the visiting team played the first three fours almost perfectly. Everything was going well for them. Firm in defense when cutting the opposing offensive circuits and very effective in the opposite rim. Pressure outside the perimeter, determination to load the defensive and, mainly, offensive rebound and a high effectiveness in attack. This is how the Venezuelan first half could be described. Meanwhile, Argentina shot too much from the 3-point line -many times in a hurry- and only Nicolás Brussino was precise.

However, the difference was reduced in the last quarter. The Venezuelans began to rush into the outside shot and, indeed, did not make the best decision for the shot. But that decline lasted only five minutes and, in turn, Argentina failed to reduce the difference enough to get into the match.

This Saturday, from 21.10, Argentina will close this Qualifying window against Panamacorresponding to Group A. It will also be in Obras Sanitarias and is expected to have almost full capacity.