Pan American Games: The United States thwarted Colombia's golden dream in 3×3 basketball

Colombia ended its women's 3×3 basketball run at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile with a silver medal, with the national team losing in the final 21-14 to the United States, the clear favorites to win the title.

In the final match, American superiority was complete. The Colombian team was superior from start to finish. From the size and athleticism of their opponents, to a game where the Colombians struggled with every rebound and their attack was completely cloudy. Although the scores were equal at the end of the match, the difference was in favor of the North American team and it was very difficult to equalize the score.

look: Watch Daniel Ruiz's amazing goal as the team wins the Pan American Games

But the severity of the defeat does not overshadow the wonderful run of the national team, which gives Colombia a new medal in the Pan American competitions. A medal at the start of the competition is unexpected for many.

Participation in Santiago represents an excellent balance for the Colombian 3×3 team, which will not be present in Paris 2024, as it did not qualify before the Pan American Games. However, he has shown that in the future he will be a competitor to take into account.

Boiler 3×3

The Spanish Stadium in Los Condes, east of Santiago de Chile, was bustling with fans. And most importantly, when Chile was playing, as happens in all the stadiums that host the Pan American Games: “Chi chi chi lu li, long live Chile!”

But on the small 3×3 basketball court, a type of quad court that only includes half a basketball court, the density was overwhelming. He went beyond the common saying that sometimes it seemed like the situation was falling apart.

You may be interested in: Mariana Pajón: Queen of BMX and three-time Pan American Champion

The first days of 3×3 basketball were not as busy as Monday, as the finals exceeded all expectations.

On the women's level, in the semi-finals, Chile lost early to the United States, the competitor that later became Colombia's executioner.

In fact, the Colombians were not budgeted for the final, but the future of the tournament and their excellent semifinal match against Puerto Rico put them in the definition of a gold medal. Above all, Carolina Lopez from Antioquia was fantastic, along with Jennifer Muñoz, the team's reference.

See also: Train to the South: Colombia's Aspirations at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago

The Chileans, with strong support from their team, took the bronze medal by defeating the Puerto Ricans 22-11 in the third place match. Colombia got silver and the United States got gold.

The same result appeared in the men's final, with absolute control of the final by the United States, which was not intimidated by the resounding reception from the Chilean audience towards its team.

On the contrary, and against the trend of the fans, the Americans turned a deaf ear to the ferocity of the Chilean fans and took the gold medal thanks to the score 21-14. Bronze went to Trinidad and Tobago, which beat Venezuela in a thrilling match for third place.

🚴🏻⚽🏀 The latest developments in sports?: Everything you need to know about global sports is in El Espectador