POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
SEMIFINALS
Puerto Rico - Argentina 90-96
Argentina advanced to the Big Final of U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. Argentina eliminated Puerto Rico in the very exciting Semifinals 96-90. They will fight for the Gold against powerful USA. On the other side, Puerto Rico will meet Canada in the battle for Bronze. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) exploded with 33 points and 6 rebounds in this victory. Lucio Reinaudi (95) followed him with 23 pts and he was the last one with double-digits in Argentina. Their third scorer was Rodrigo Haag (95) with 8 pts. In the loosing squad, Miguel Cartagena (186-G-95) shined with 30 points. Eliel Gonzalez (189-G-95) had 20 and Ariel Watson (95) added 2 pts less.
Argentina made impressive 16-27 in the first ten minutes and continued with 12-21 after that. Third period also belonged to Argentina (17-21), who had comfortable lead with 10:00 to go. However, Puerto Rico didnt give up and they managed to treat in the finish, but the difference was too big and Argentina saved plus six until the end.
Saturday is the last day of the championship.
USA - Canada 113-70
USA had no troubles to beat Canada 113-70 and to reach the Big Final of U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. USA will meet Argentina in the battle for Gold. On the other side, Canada will play against Puerto Rico for third place. Today is the last day of the championship.
USA took control on Canada from the very beginning. They made 31-7 lead in the first ten minutes and jumped to plus 35 until the halftime. Question about the winner was already resolved and second half was just the formality (29-16, 21-26).
Aaron Gordon (96) stepped up with 22 points and 8 rebounds for USA. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (96) followed him with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Theophilus Pinson Jr. (96) added 15 pts and 5 rebs. In Canada, Anthony Pate (95) and Malcom Duvivier (95) delivered 10 points each. Miroslav Jaksic (95) collected 9 points and 8 rebounds.
Places 5-8
Chile - Costa Rica 105-48
Chile cruised past Costa Rica to 105-48 victory in Cancun. It was the first game of the Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. It means that Chile will meet Brazil today and the winner will end as No.5. Costa Rica will play against Mexico and will try to avoid the last place in Cancun. Chile dominated in all basketball elements against their rivals. Quarters: 30-10, 20-13, 26-11, 29-14.
Eugenio Luzcando (95) top-scored for the winners with 26 points. He also had 9 rebounds and 5 assists beside that. Hernan Soto (95) had 15 points and 5 boards, while Martin Pino (95) added 14 pts, plus 5 assists. In CRC, Milton Jimenez (95) shined with 27 points. Their second scorer was Henry Sanchez (95) with 9 points (5 rebs).
Brazil - Mexico 71-57
Brazil was too strong for Mexico 71-57 on Friday. It was the first game of the Classification Round from 5th to 8th place at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. Brazil made the first step and they will meet Chile today in the battle for fifth place. Mexico will try to beat Costa Rica and to avoid the last place at this event. Mexico was better than Brazil in the first half (23-28), but they somehow stopped after that. Brazil shined after the breather and with two great periods (20-11, 28-18) won the game with comfortable 71-57.
Fernando Stafleu (95) came up with 24 points and 10 rebounds in victory. Lucas Dias (96) secured a great help adding 16 pts and 8 boards. Higor Simas (95) was third scorer in victory with 7 points (6 rebs). For the hosts, Omar De Haro (95) delivered 21 points. Jose Hermosillo (95) stopped to 7 pts and 9 rebounds.
