POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Group A
Puerto Rico - Canada 82:63
Puerto Rican National team cruised past Canada in the opening game of the PanAmerican Games in Group A. The renowned basketball nation Puerto Rico had a flying start to the competition. They dismantle Canadian team 82:63 to go top in the Group.
Puerto Rico established a narrow 16:15 lead after the first frame. The gap grew deeper in the second when Canadian defence struggled to maintain Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Northeastern). Purto Rico ensured a 60:45 advantage after three quarters and entered the final frame confidently. Canada had little chances to cut the deficit throughout the final 10 minutes and had to surrender in the first game of the tournament.
Jose Juan Barea nailed 21 points and grabbed 5 boards for Puerto Rico. Joel Gomez added 13 points for the winners. Canada were paced by 13 points from Andy Rautins (196-G-86). Jermaine Anderson (185-G-83) chipped in 12 points in a loss. Puerto Rico outrebounded their opponents 49:33 and limited them to just 32% from the field.
Puerto Rico will next face Virgin Islands today. Canada will try to improve against Brazil later tonight.
Puerto Rico: Jose Juan Barea 21 points, Joel Gomez 13
Canada: Andy Rautins 13, Jermaine Anderson 12
Brazil - Virgin Islands 86:81
Brazil got to a winning start of the PanAmerican basketball tournament. A perfect team effort helped Brazil to edge Virgin Islands 86:81. Brazil dominated the game early on and drove to a 32:21 lead after the opening frame. Virgin Islands cut the deficit to 8 points at halftime 43:51. But Virgin Islands team slowly found their rhythm and came as close as 5 points after three quarters 62:67. However Brazil's offense delivered at the right time to secure a victory.
Murilo da Rosa (207-C-83) and Joao Batista scored 17 points apiece and combined 20 rebounds to lead Brazil. Marcelo Muertas added 16 points for the winners. Virgin Islands replied with game-high 21 points from Frank Elegar (206-C-86). Cuthbert Victor (196-G-83, college: Murray St.) and Kevin Sheppard (182-G-79, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Jacksonville) produced 12 points apiece in a losing effort.
Brazil had an edge under the rims outrebounding Virgin Islands 35:29. Brazil also converted solid 50% from the field. Both teams committed 17 turnovers.
Brazil will face Canada in today's action. Virgin Islands will take on Purto Rico.
