Huge performance of the young woman from Neuquén in the victory of the U16 women’s basketball team, which meant qualification for the World Cup.
Gianella Espedale scored 14 points, added 4 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals in 32 minutes for the national triumph over Brazil by 56 to 54 in a great match of the quarterfinals of the Premundial that is played in Mexico.
The player born in Cutral Co was fundamental for the Argentine team, that with the pass to the semis he secured a ticket in the next World Cup to be played in Turkey.
The process of the match against Brazil was exciting, because Argentina had to run from behind after a poor start and in that comeback Espedale was fundamental with his scoring and driving. The second half was very even and neither team could clearly dominate.
In a context of low scoring, Alma Bougarel, author of 14 points, scored a triple key in the last quarter that began to turn the balance in favor of Argentina. The national team’s ten previous attempts at the rim from the third dimension had been missed, but the one that mattered the most entered. Later, a tray from Neuquén gave Argentina a six lead, which still closed the game in a tight way.
🥳 ARGENTINA BEAT BRAZIL AND CLASSIFIED TO THE WORLD U17!
🏀 In a close game until the second final, the U16s stayed with the classic in the Pre-World Cup quarters by 56-54. 🙌
📈 Gianella Espedale, with 14 points, was the top scorer for Pavón’s team. pic.twitter.com/hEvFDZjiSa
– CAB (@cabboficial) August 28, 2021
Brazil had the last ball, but between the good Albiceleste defense and the lack of clarity, the shot was uncomfortable and the celebration was left for Gianella and her companions, who will be in the next World Cup and will now seek to keep the tournament.