POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Group A
Canada - Puerto Rico 86-90
Puerto Rico jumped to 2-0 record in Cancun. They handed 90-86 loss to Canada staying on top of Group A. It was the first loss to Canada, who shares the second place with Chile now (1-1). Canada opened the game strongly making 28-18 lead. However, Puerto Rico replied with 13-22 in the second period. Miguel Cartagena (186-G-95) and his teammates continued in the same rhythm after the breather and they were 5-point up with 10:00 to go. In very exciting last quarter, Puerto Rico managed to keep their lead and to celebrate second straight win at the U16 FIBA Americas championship. Miguel Cartagena exploded in this game with 36 points. He made 5 triples and also 15 of 17 attempts from the line. Ariel Watson (95) had 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Eliel Gonzalez (189-G-95) added 14 points, 5 rebs and 8 assists. In Canada, Marial Shayok (95) (6 rebs) and Kevin-Mbezela Zabo (186-G) (5 rebs, 5 as) netted 17 points each. Malcom Duvivier (95) followed them with 15 pts and 6 rebs.
In Day Three, Puerto Rico will meet Chile and it will most probably be the crucial game for the first place in Group A. Canada will play against Mexico.
Chile - Mexico 80-54
Chile registered first win in Cancun. They cruised past Mexico 80-54 for 1-1 record in Group A. On other side, Mexico faced with their second loss at the U16 FIBA Americas championship. Eugenio Luzcando (95) stepped up for the winners with 15 points. Ricardo Cardenas (95) had 14 points and 5 rebs, while Martin Pino (95) added 11 points and 5 assists. For the hosts, Omar De Haro (95) netted 16 points and David Elias (95) stopped to 10. Chile had wonderful beginning as they made 32-12 lead in just ten minutes. It was also the crucial period in this game and Mexico never recovered. Quarters: 32-12, 15-13, 11-17, 22-12.
In the last game of the Preliminary Round, Chile will meet Puerto Rico. Mexico will take on Canada.
Group B
Costa Rica - Brazil 53-92
Both teams failed in Day One of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. This time, Brazil blasted Costa Rica 92-53 for 1-1 record in Group B. Of course, Costa Rica dropped to 0-2 and lost all chances to reach the Semifinals. Lucas Dias (96) paced the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Guilherme Naleagaca (95) scored 12 points and Adriano Alves (95) added two less. In Costa Rica, Milton Jimenez (95) shined with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Their second scorer was Henry Sanchez (95) wit 8 pts. Brazil dominated and was holding the comfortable lead during the entire game. They started with 11-22 in Q1 and jumped to plus 24 at the HT. CRC made 17-13 after the breather and Brazil closed this meeting with huge 11-30.
Today, Brazil will meet Argentina and the winner will advance to Semifinals. Costa Rica will play against powerful USA.
USA - Argentina 102-81
USA was too strong for Argentina 102-81 in Day Two of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. It means that USA jumped to 2-0 in Group B and already booked a spot for the Semifinals. They also secured first place in this pool. Argentina dropped to 1-1 and still has a nice chance to reach the Semis. Jabari Parker (95) came up with 21 points and 7 rebounds in victory. Kendrick Nunn (96) followed him with 14 points and 7 boards, while Larry Austin Jr. (96) added 11 pts. In Argentina, Alvaro Merlo (5'7''-G-95) delivered 15 points. Rodrigo Haag (95) had 13 pts and 6 rebs, while Lucio Reinaudi (95) added 12 pts. Second quarter was the crucial one in this game (30-11). Argentina never recovered from it and USA had no troubles to keep the comfortable lead. Quarters: (22-23, 30-11, 22-17, 28-30.
In the last day of the Preliminary Round, USA will meet Costa Rica. Argentina will take on Brazil.
