06/06/2024 11:45am.
The U18 men’s National Team played a great game and defeated Belize 109-73 to achieve their first victory in the AmeriCup U18 that takes place in Buenos Aires. With this result, Argentina forced a three-way tie at the close of Group B and took second place by goal difference. The team’s next match will be this Friday, for the quarterfinals, against Venezuela in a crucial clash that will define the ticket to the U19 World Cup next year.
The boys’ focus was evident from the first minute. Argentina took the field with defensive intensity and its usual solidarity in attack. After an even first quarter, those led by Mauro Polla adjusted the defense against the rival’s best players and they found three-point aim. At halftime, they were 9 of 16 in triples, with the trident Minzer, Kropp and Sucatzky leading an explosive offense.
In the second half the trend did not change. The proposed attrition on Belize’s offensive weapons took its toll. On the other side, the Central Americans were forced to extend their defense and offered opportunities near the rim that the national team took advantage of to score a 32-21 run in the third and seal the story. The last quarter was to the delight of the public who once again filled the Obras stadium.
Tyler Kropp scored 30 with 14 rebounds and Felipe Minzer contributed 28 points, 14 boards, 6 assists and 6 steals for a huge PIR of 41. Thiago Sucatzky added 24 and 8 assists. Between the three of them they combined for 82 of the team’s 109 points. The defensive task was also brilliant, especially in the hands of Albano Costa and Joaquín Folmer.
Sucatzky goes for the layup.
Argentina needed to win by 13 to take second place in Group B and they more than achieved it. On Friday they will have to face Venezuela in the quarterfinals, the match that will define the pass to the semis and the ticket to the World Cup.
