The Venezuelan U17 team could not beat Argentina in the final of the South American category held in Valledupar and fell 56-72.
Venezuela jumped onto the court with Anthony Reyes, Ydderick González, Diego Sulbarán, Jeiminson Márquez and Quiero Vargas. Tomás Fernández, Felipe Minzer, Thiago Sucatzky, Nicholas Petri and Ivan Pratto started for Argentina.
The Argentines took advantage of the difference in height to have second and third opportunities in attack, in addition to having good effectiveness from the perimeter in the first half.
Venezuela, as had been customary in the tournament, depended on the perimeter players who in the first instances were not as effective.
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Argentina went into halftime up 37-30. Joaquín Folmer was the best for the albiceleste with 11 points.
Jeiminson Márquez stood out for Venezuela with 10 points, 4 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block.
Thiago Sucatzky and Tomás Fernández led the Argentines after the break to take the third quarter 16-11 and enter the final period up 53-41.
As the last quarter progressed, Venezuela made a timid attempt to come back, but again the Argentine physical superiority took advantage and with a 19-15 lead the Argentines were left with the 72-56 victory.
Felipe Minzer led the victory with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals, accompanied by Tomás Fernández with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal.
The best for Venezuela was Jeiminson Márquez with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and one assist. Justo Vargas followed him with a double-double (11 points and 12 rebounds) and Diego Sulbarán added 11 points.
This second place gives Venezuela one of the three tickets to the Americup U18 in 2024. The champion Argentina and Brazil, which won bronze, also qualified.
