The Ecuadorian quintet made history by winning bronze for the second time in a basketball tournament, in addition to qualifying for the FIBA Americas World Championship in the category that will be played in Brazil this 2022, by beating Uruguay 63-60.
Ecuador shined since March 25, the day the South American U18 began in Venezuela.
A hand in hand commitment, from start to finish. The energy and enthusiasm of each group to achieve the bronze medal was felt beyond the facilities of “Papá” Carillo de Parque Miranda.
Read also: Venezuela U18 closed its participation defeating Colombia
In the first quarter Uruguay led the score 12-16, for the tricolors the difference was not much, it was totally possible to overcome the opponent and it was. Taking halftime with 30-27.
For those led by Lucas Gil it was never impossible to beat Uruguay and they never lowered their arms in battle.
By two points (45-43) Uruguay lost the battle to qualify for the World Cup qualifying round. Both teams were very committed and left their lives on the court to score even one point.
last quarter heart attack
To close the commitment and return home with metal, both quintets fought and gave their best. Ecuador cunningly fit the ball into the net, the same virtue with which they arrived was evident this Saturday, agility.
There were approximately five seconds left until the end of the game and that’s how Janer Arcila came out dressed as a hero and managed to score three decisive points for the match to culminate 63-60.
Discipline was the key
Coach Lucas Gil offered statements at the end of the dispute, where he admitted that the results obtained are the reward of hard work, the discipline that the kids developed was unfounded months ago with each practice.
«We set out to compete and we achieved a semifinal. I am very happy with the team and the boys for having made history”, declared the coach.
Arcila was one of the best for Ecuador, which averaged 13 points and burst into tears at the end of the tournament. “We are stunned, we made history, I thank the team for breaking their backs,” he explained.
For the visiting team, Roodvan Osores stood out with 13 and 17 rebounds, escorted by Guzman Vasilic with 12 units.
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Ecuador makes history in South American U18