POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
J.J. Barea
Canada - Puerto Rico 71-78
Puerto Rico got to the winning start of the Tuto Marchand Continental Cup. The hosts held off Canada in San Juan. Jose Juan Barea (181-PG-84, college: Northeastern) stepped up with 23 points and 8 assists to lead the home team. Puerto Rico accumulated a 23:19 lead after the opening quarter. They held Canada to 11 points in the second term and accounted for a 40:30 halftime lead. Canada shifted the gear in the third term. They narrowed the deficit at just 3 points heading into the fourth frame. But Puerto Rico unloaded 22 points in the final period and secured the victory. John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) netted 12 points, while Larry Ayuso and Ricardo Sanchez added 9 points each for the winners. Andrew Nicholson (205-PF-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) answered with 21 points for Canada. Tristan Thompson posted 10 points and 10 rebounds in the defeat.
Dominican Republic - Brazil 77-78
Brazil gained a narrow victory over Dominican Republic in the opening game of the Continental Jenaro Tuto Marchand Cup in San Juan. Alex Ribeiro (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) scored in the final seconds of regulation to seal the victory. Brazil stayed in charge throughout the opening quarter. They raced to a 20:16 lead after ten minutes. Brazil extended their lead in the second frame. They recorded a 40:33 halftime lead. But Dominican Republic slowly got back into the contest. They narrowed the gap at 4-point mark before the fourth frame. Feldeine put Dominican Republic in front 77:76 with seconds left in regulation. But Alex Ribeiro came up with a decisive bucket to win the game for Brazil. Guilherme Giovannoni (203-F-80, agency: Interperformances) posted 15 points for Brazil. Arthur Silva and Marcelinho Huertas added 14 points each for the winners. Francisco Garcia (201-F/G-81, college: Louisville) answered with 17 points for Dominican Republic. Eulis Baez had 15 points in the loss.
