Argentina Shoots and Scores in Hoops

(ATR) The Argentinaboys 3x3 basketball team exploded to a quick 6-0 lead and never looked back, defeating Russia, 21-14 on the opening day of competition at the Urban Park.

Excited fans – many attired in Argentina light blue and white – not only watchedthe high-tempo contest fromthe stands around the court, but also packedthe sweeping grassy hills surrounding the venue.

Theatmosphere at the hoops playground in Urban Park on the opening day of competition at the Youth Olympic Games was electric.

"It was crazy – all the people shouting for us, the scene, and all the people supporting us, it was amazing," said Argentina’s Juan Esteban De LaFuente.

It was the second victory in as many contests for the home team.Earlier, Argentina beat Estonia in a tighter affair, 22-19. The 2-0start in the preliminary round quickly propelled the hosts to the top of Pool C.

De LaFuente said that both the basketball playground and greater Urban Park are fantastic.

"It’s amazing – the whole park," De LaFuente said. "The court is amazing and there are so many people, but I was trying to focus on the game."

Three-on-three basketball, for both men and women, will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.The sport was first witnessed on the international stage at the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore.

Fast-paced and played on a half court with a 12-second shot clock, a winner is determined after 10 minutes or when a team reaches 21 points. Baskets made inside the arc are one point; shots outside the arc are worth two points.

Three-on-three basketball shares the Urban Park in Buenos Aires withsport climbing, BMX Freestyle, break dancing and canoe and rowing held on the adjacent canal.

The Urban Park is located in Rio de la Plata in the city’s newest neighborhood. In addition to the new sports, street culture and artistic expression add to the park’s youthful vibe.

The Mayor of Buenos Aires,Horacio RodriguezLarreta said that 110,000 people visited the Urban Park onSunday’s opening day of competition at the Youth Olympic Games.

Argentina resumes 3x3 play on Thursday with contests against Mongolia and the United States.

Coverage of the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games is made possible in part by BA 2018

Written and reported by Brian Pinelli in Buenos Aires

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