The experience in Venezuela leave more tasks pending Dominican Republicwhich leaves with a defeat in Barquisimeto, than what happened in its first match against Panama in this cycle of the second qualifying window for the World Cup of Baloncesto 2023.
Venezuela defeated Dominican Republic 76-72 (28-13/23-18/16-27/9-14) thanks to a dominant first half, which closed 51-31. In the final seconds, Chris Duarte had in his possession the opportunity to at least force an extension, after stealing a ball, attempting a triple against Michael Carrera, from whom he stole the ball, which was also in his possession and he missed a right on a penetration.
Chris Duarte improved offensively, but not enough to lead his teammates to victory.
Dominican Republic He had chances of victory or at least one extra time, but in the course of the game he was a victim of individualities, which tarnished his game and disadvantaged his options, against a Venezuela who moved the ball better until finishing with 20 assists, 11 more than his rival, who sealed 19 against Panama.
In the game, played at the Domo Bolivariano, in Barquisimeto, a Venezuelan city, capital of the state of Lara, the Dominican team was never on top.
Now the red wine is 7-1 and the tricolor team is 5-3.
Michael Carrera scored 12 points for VenezuelaGarly Sojo and Gregory Vargas 11 each and Windi Graterol 10. Víctor Liz and Chris Duarte led the Dominican with 20 points each and Eloy Vargas 12. Ángel Delgado was limited this time by his personal foul problems early in the game. and was left with four points and nine rebounds.
initial attack
Venezuela started hungry on both ends of the pitch. Pressing the Dominican serve and at the same time scoring from different angles.
Their suffocating defense allowed them to take an early 15-4 lead and from then on, that double-digit difference held until the third quarter.
Ángel Delgado’s early exit with his second foul at 5:27 of the game’s start endangered the painted zone of the tall Dominican men, in a job in which Eloy Vargas was left alone.
That was going to complicate the tricolor team the rest of the way in these first 20 minutes, in which Venezuela he dismembered the schemes (defensive/offensive) of the two Dominican sides.
Venezuela got baskets from all angles, which allowed the red wine to win the first half ended 51-31.
Then at the beginning of the second phase then another one was seen Dominican Republichelped in the painted area by the defensive side, by center Ángel Luis Delgado.
The difference of ten points fell for the first time with a play of four points thanks to a triple and a free throw with 6:18 to play, by Chris Duarte, who put the game 57-48.
The third period closed 67-58 and the Dominican team flirted with a tie after Duarte hit two free throws with 23 seconds left.
Duels and future rival
In 2018, Venezuela won the first match of the series in their own country with a 79-78 victory in overtime at the Valencia Forum, but later in Dominican territory it was the tricolor’s turn to win 72-67 at the Virgilio Travieso Sports Palace Soto. Now the wine got 2-1 with his victory.
The Dominican Republic’s next game will be on November 10 at home against Argentina.
