Sunday's FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers Group A matchup between Argentina and Chile was interrupted when a dog ran onto the court in Coliseo Antonio Azurmendi in Valdivia, Chile.
It happened with 5:43 remaining in the first quarter with Chile holding a 7-6 lead. Argentina had control of the ball on offense when play was stopped as the dog ran to the middle of the court with a ball of its own in its mouth.
Air Bud! pic.twitter.com/XPN6R4kqDj
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) February 26, 2024
We do not have video available to determine if the dog left the court on its own or was physically removed. However, between arena security and the dog's handlers, no one seemed to be able to control the dog as it found its way back to the court baseline before play could restart.
This isn't the first time we have seen a basketball game interrupted by a dog, which happened with American vs. George Washington back in 2022. We have seen crazier things than that as well, such as a dog pooping on the court during halftime of a Louisville basketball game last year. When you've been around as long as we have, you see some crazy things.
Eventually the game resumed, and Chile pulled off a 79-77 upset of Argentina. As a result, both teams are now 1-1 after "Window 1" of the qualifiers, tied with Venezuela and Colombia in the Group A standings. The second "window" of the group stage will be played in November 2024. In the meantime, maybe Valdivia's arena security teams can work out how to keep dogs off the court in the future.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
