The defeat against Canada by 99 to 87 in the Memorial Arena from the city of Victoria made it clear to the Argentine basketball team that the road to the 2023 World Cup in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines will not be easy. Those led by Che García relied too much on what point guards Facundo Campazzo and Nicolás Laprovittola generated, lacked offensive variants and had several complications controlling NBA players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Kelly Olynyk.

That result left the Albicelestes in fourth place in Group E due to the points difference, so their World Cup ticket would be in jeopardy. His chance to redeem himself will be this August 29, in Mar del Plata, against the Bahamas, in what will be the last match of this double qualifying window. A victory will give them air and allow them to face the double date with more calm, which will be in November, against the Dominican Republic and again the Bahamas, although now as visitors. Note that in these commitments the coach will not be able to count on Facundo Campazzo, Nicolás Laprovittola, Gabriel Deck, Leandro Bolmaro and Luca Vildoza.

The best national representative was the Barcelona setter, who produced an ‘incredible performance’, as cataloged by FIBA in the video of the HL of the old Lanús. Flamengo and Real Madrid. Besides contributing 22 of Argentina’s 39 points in the first half, he closed a roster with 30 points (4/5 in triples, 3/8 in doubles, and 12/14 in free throws), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals.

Cordovanwho in the final hours said his intention was to continue at least one more season in the American League despite the desire of the White House repatriate him, he contributed 17 points (2/5 on 3-pointers, 1/2 on doubles, and 9/11 on free throws), 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal.

The locals, who remain undefeated in the competition and won their seventh victory in a row, took advantage of the lack of “big men” in the racket to counter Dwight Powell or Kelly Olynyk (21 points and 7 rebounds). After the retirement of Luis Scola, the main defensive card in this area of ​​the field is Marcos Delía. It was also a question of highlighting the talent and the striking power of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, figure of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nick Nurse-trained goaltender added 23 points and 8 assists.

In the other matches of this first Group E window, the Bahamas lost at home 81-86 against Venezuela and the Dominican Republic won at home 70-61 against Panama.

Canada 99: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 23, Melvin Ejim 5, Nickeil Alexander-Walker 8 (x), Dwight Powell 12, Kelly Olynik 21 (FI)

Phil Scrubb 4, Kassius Robertson 8, Kevin Pangos 5, Cory Joseph 8, Thomas Scrubb 5. DT: Nick Nurse

Argentina 87: Facundo Campazzo 17, Nicolás Laprovittola 30, Leandro Bolmaro 5, Gabriel Deck 16, Marcos Delía 4 (FI)

Nicolás Brussino 0, Tomás Chapero 0, José Vildoza 5, Carlos Delfino 10, Juan Pablo Vaulet 0, Tayavek Gallizzi 0 DT: Nestor Garcia

Progress: Canada 28-21, 52-39, 83-68 and 99-87

Referees: Jorge Vázquez (Puerto Rico)-Blanca Burns (USA)-Jenna Jordan (USA)

Stadium: Memorial Arena (Victoria).

Table of positions:

7-0 | Canada

6-1 | Venezuela

5-2 | Dominican Republic

5-2 | Argentina

2-5 | Panama

2-5 | Bahamian

Mounting :

08/29/22 – vs Bahamas (L)

10/11/22 – vs Dominican Republic (W)

13/11/22 – vs Bahamas (W)

2/24/23 – v Canada (L)

2/27/23 – v Dominican Republic (L)