The Dominican Republic defeated Argentina 79-75 (19-24/16-18/19-22/25-11) and once again returned to the Basketball World Cup, where Jean Montero was the figure of the tricolor team.
The favorite was left with nothing in his hands and was absent from the World Cup for the first time in 41 years, and the Dominican Republic attended its fourth World Cup (1978/2014/2019/2023).
The Dominican team went all out in this game, as a victory would ensure a ticket to the World Cup, and defeat would make them depend on the rest of the results of the other games in the American zone. The Dominican team ended 9-3, and Argentina was 8-4, the same record as Venezuela. Still, this team divided with the albiceleste and ended up with a better point difference between the two.
In the third quarter, Argentina scored 17 points with a dunk by Tayavek Gallizzi (59-42) with 2:49 left. Still, the Dominicans had to leave trailing by 10, leaving them with opportunities for the decisive coming quarter.
The Basketball World Cup will be from August 25 to September 10th.
The Dominican Republic remained unstoppable in its attack and even more so in its defense to overcome a team that had the great luxury of bringing together, just for this match, Facundo Campazzo, Gabriel Deck, Nicolás Laprovittola, Leandro Bolmaro and Carlos Delfino, a group with experience in European basketball. Ángel Delgado, Jean Montero and Andrés Féliz circulate in Spain.
The pain was left for Argentina and the pleasure for the people of Quisqueyan, who celebrate the date of Independence one day away, this February 27.
Undoubtedly, one of the most painful blows that the Argentine team has suffered in its history, especially in the post-Ginóbili era or post-Golden Generation. The albiceleste team is number 4 in the world ranking of the International Basketball Federation and second in the Americas area. The tricolor team is ranked 24th in the world and 7th in America.
The credit goes to the 12 players and his leader, Néstor García, who has made his athletes dream, especially after the Argentine left with his team in a still unfinished event. The Argentine press calls it “sweet revenge.”