POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Anderson Varejao
Canada - Argentina 86-72
Canada managed to grab the first win at the Marchand Continental Championship Cup in San Juan. After loss against the host (Puerto Rico), the Canadians demonstrated much better performance in Game 2 outplaying Argentina 86-72. That is the second defeat for Argentina, who failed against Brazil in Day 1. Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh) was the best player in victory as he registered double-double, 14 points and 12 rebounds. Andy Rautins (196-G-86) and Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, college: Fordham) also helped with 14 points each. In the loosing squad, Diego Garcia (186-G-79) top-scored with 13 points. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) had 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Paolo Quinteros (186-G-79) added 11 points.
Everything started good for Argentina, who created 15-20 lead in the first quarter. However, Canadians drastically improved after that, especially at the offensive end. Levon Kendall and his teammates were one fire scoring 30 more points until the half time. On the other side, Argentina stopped on 17 for minus 8 after 20 minutes. Third quarter was the crucial one as Canada dominated 27-14. For the rest of the way Argentina did not succeed seriously to treat.
Today in San Juan, Canada will meet Brazil. Argentina will take on Puerto Rico.
Canada: Levon Kendall 14+12 boards, Andy Rautins 14, Jermaine Anderson 14
Argentina: Diego Garcia 13, Luis Scola 12+5 boards, Paolo Quinteros 11
Brazil - Puerto Rico 80-70
Brazil had another joyful day at the Marchand Continental Championship Cup in San Juan. After victory against Argentina in Day 1, the Brazilians outplayed Puerto Rico for perfect 2-0 record. The host of this event dropped to 1-1. NBA player Anderson Varejao (205-C-82) was totally the best in the winning squad. He spent 33 minutes on the floor nailing 27 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Another Brazilian NBAer Leandrinho Barbosa (190-G-82) shined yesterday with 17 points. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points and 7 boards. In Team Puerto Rico, Filiberto Rivera (187-G-82, college: UTEP) collected 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Ricardo Sanchez Rosa contributed with 12 points.
Since the very beginning Brazil took control on Puerto Rico. After 10 minutes of the game Brazil was 23-17 up, but the hosts immediately responded in the following period. They drained 26 more points until the half time closing the gap to 44-43. Second half belonged to Brazil, who ended 19-14 third and 17-13 last quarter.
Today in San Juan Brazil will meet Canada. The Canadians currently have 1-1 record. On the other side, Puerto Rico will meet winless Argentina.
Brazil: Anderson Varejao 27+12 boards, Leandrinho Barbosa 17, Tiago Splitter 15+7 boards
Puerto Rico: Filiberto Rivera 12+6 boards+5 as, Ricardo Sanchez Rosa 12
