The Argentine National Team fell to the United States 64-61 and closed out the Copa América with a silver medal and qualification for the World Cup. Las Lobas could not climb the podium and were left without a pass in Dubai.
Lthe men’s wheelchair basketball team just three points away from making history in the final of Sao Paulo America’s Cupagainst USA. The Argentine team played as equal but failed to hold a 12-quarter lead in the fourth quarter and fell to 64-61 after a memorable return from the reigning Paralympic champions. Argentina played a tournament at a high level, reached the final of the Copa América with a solid game and also He qualifies for the Dubai World Cup to be played from November 16 to 27.
Captain Adolfo Berdún was the game’s scorer with 24 points and was later selected as Best Player of the Copa América (MVP). Argentina’s list in the final leaves these numbers: Gustavo Villafañe (10), Adrián Pérez (8), Daniel Copa (8), Maximiliano Ruggeri (7) and Joel Gabas (4).
Argentina came out to play fearlessly from the start. The coach Mauro Varela In the beginning he put on a quintet of his highest confidence: Berdún, Gabas, Villafañe, Ruggeri and Pérez. The technician did not move the bank with punctual income already Daniel Copa, Ignacio Céliz and Fermín Wingerter.
The first quarter ended at 15-15 and no advantage was gained. In the second, the United States were more solid in attack and closed the first half 28-23 in their favor. The third quarter was for Argentina. He had a run of 23-13 and finished 46-41, but nothing closed.
Led by Berdún, Villafañe and company, Argentina climbed 12 points in just 5 minutes. It seems like game over, but it’s not. Three trebles and two free throws returned to the United States on tour within seconds. The distance evaporated and, with 24 seconds remaining, the Paralympic champion was 64-61. Argentina had one last chance to take the final in extra time, but it didn’t progress. Thus, Argentina missed the chance to become American champion for the first time in its history.
However, and more than the logical bitterness of the players in not getting the gold medal, the Argentine team played the Copa América at a high level, even in two falls. The team started the tournament with a loss against Canada (57-60) in the group zone. They then beat Brazil (53-38) and took first place in goal difference. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Venezuela (81-31) and, in the semifinals, they took revenge against Canada (66-53). In addition to being runner-up in the Copa América, the team has qualified for the Dubai World Cup and will try to improve on the historic 7th place at the Hamburg World Cup in 2018.
Las Lobas lost to Brazil for bronze and did not reach the World Cup in Dubai
For its part, Las Lobas, the women’s team, fell to Brazil (57-45) in the battle for third place, leaving them without a podium and also without the Dubai World Cup as only the top three qualified. (the boys, the four semifinalists). Argentina played well in the first half. They went to the break just 4 points down (23-27) but did not maintain the intensity and effectiveness of the first period. Las Lobas did a great job when they qualified for the semifinals but they stayed close to the World Cup dream against a continental power like Brazil.
The 12 Lobas, directed by Carlos Cardarelli, representing Argentina are: Evangelina Paiva, Liz Pare, María Chirinos, Vanesa Rubiola, Mariana Redi, Silvia Linari, Julieta Olmedo, Fernanda Pallares, Mariana Pérez, Luna Díaz, Florencia González and Morena Coria.
Source and Photos: Parasports.
Source: Tycsports
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
