Argentina’s basketball players lost to the Dominican Republic (75:79) in front of their home fans in Mar del Plata in the decisive qualifying match for the World Cup. In this way, they will not defend the silver medal in Asia in September.
Basketball players from European clubs also played for the Argentines – Gabriel Deck (Real Madrid), Nicolas Laprovittola (Barcelona) and Facundo Campazzo (Red Star), but this did not help them win over the Dominican Republic, even though they led by 17 points in the third quarter.
The Argentines finished fourth in their American qualification group behind Canada (23 points), the Dominican Republic (21) and Venezuela (20). The best also advanced to the WC, which will be held in Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia in September fourth place national team from both groups, but Brazil had a better point difference than the Argentinians.
Argentina will not be at the World Cup for the first time since 1982.
“We couldn’t break them, then we started to doubt ourselves. This is a severe blow for our basketball. I take full responsibility,” said Argentina coach Pablo Prigioni.
The group draw for the World Cup, in which Slovenia will also play, will take place on the 29th. in April.
Source: Rtvslo
