Recap of Day 1 in Xalapa

Ron Holland II

USA - Puerto Rico 118-67
USA dominated Puerto Rico in their first game at the championship. Six players scored in double digits for the North Americans. Ronald Holland II (207-F-05) came up with 24 points for USA. They fired 64 points in the first half to take a 30-point lead. USA drained 54 points in the second half to seal the victory. Bryson Tucker (198-SF-06) finished with 17 points for USA. Brandon Lee (188-SG-06) responded with 18 points for Puerto Rico.

Chile - Dominican Republic 54-107
Dominican Republic stormed past Chile in the opener. Dominican Republic built a 58-25 halftime lead. They sank 49 points in the second half and marched to the victory. Steven Ceballo (192-F-05) provided 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Yeison Liberato (198-SF-05) added 16 points for the winners. Raimundo Orrego (190-G-05) responded with 12 points for Chile.

Mexico - Brazil 59-69
Brazil knocked down Mexico to open win count in Xalapa. The hosts piled up an 8-point lead after the first period. But Brazil turned the tables in the next quarters. They ignited a 39-25 second half run to secure the win. Enrico Bianchi (182-PG-05) accounted for 22 points for Brazil. Aram Soqui (188-G-05) replied with 21 points for Mexico.

Argentina - Canada 81-70
Argentina held off Canada for the opening victory in Group A. Canada led by as many as 5 points at the big break. But Argentina turned things around in the second half. They dropped 46 points after the big break and raced to the win. Lucas Giovannetti (201-F-05) and Juan Bocca (198-F-05) provided 17 points each for Argentina. Mikkel Tyne (178-PG-05) chipped in 22 points for Canada.