POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
RJ Barrett Jr.
SEMIFINALS
USA - Argentina 119-76
Team USA claimed the fourth consecutive victory at the FIBA Americas tournament. They rallied past Argentina to book their Final appearance. Seven players scored in double digits for the winners. Markus Howard (185-G-99) and Jordan Brown (206-C-99) delivered 16 points each for the USA. The North American team erupted for 70 points in the first half to gain a massive 34-point lead. They did not slow down after the big break cruising to the victory. Gary Trent chipped in 15 points in the win. Agustin Perez (187-G-99) responded with 20 points for Argentina. Lautaro Lopez (188-G-99) and Nicolas Franco (204-F/C-0) chipped in 12 points each in the loss.
Canada - Dominican Republic 95-49
Canada advanced into the title clash in Bahia Blanca. They recorded the fourth straight victory at the tournament beating Dominican Republic in the semis. Rowan Barrett Jr. (195-G/F-99) tossed in 17 points to pace the North American team. Canada exploded with 45 points in the first half to ensure an 18-point advantage. Canada added 50 points more in the second half to ease to the victory. Noah Kirkwood (195-G/F-0) had 13 points, while Simisola Shittu (205-G/F-0) contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Alanzo Frink (200-F-0) answered with 15 points for Dominican Republic.
5-8 Place
Mexico - Brazil 69-80
Brazil posted the first victory at the FIBA Americas tournament. They rolled over Mexico in the classification round. Brazil will now take on Puerto Rico for the fifth overall position. Marcos Louzada (185-SG-0) stepped up with 19 points and 6 rebounds to pace the winning side. Mexico snatched a 16:14 lead ten minutes into the game. But Brazil quickly erased the deficit and posted a 48:45 lead heading into the fourth frame. Brazil went for 32 points in the final quarter and sealed the win. Pedro Barros (185-PG-1) accounted for 16 points and 13 rebounds for Brazil. Salvador Martinez (193-SF-99) answered with 18 points for Mexico. Alexis Martinez (193-SG-99) had 12 points and 7 rebounds in the loss.
Puerto Rico - Venezuela 81-70
Puerto Rico beat Venezuela in the classification round. Eric Ayala (193-F/G-99) nailed 29 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and issued 6 assists to pace the winners. Puerto Rico piled up a 21:18 lead after the opening quarter. Venezuela erased the deficit and pulled ahead for a 34:33 halftime lead. They dropped 27 points in the third quarter to secure a 6-point advantage at the final intermission. But Puerto Rico responded with a 26:9 run in the fourth quarter to snatch victory. Fabian Rial (190-G-99) delivered 15 points for the winners. Carlos Lenuz (187-G-99) answered with 17 points and 6 rebounds for Venezuela.
