POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Vitor Benite
Group A
USA - Brazil 83-93
Brazil silenced the USA to clinch the top position in Group A. Vitor Benite (191-SG-90) unloaded 34 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the Latin American powerhouse. Brazil established a 47:38 halftime lead. They drained 28 points in the third term to clear off to an 18-point distance. The USA fired 26 points in the fourth frame but could not avoid the loss. Augusto Lima (207-C-91) accounted for 14 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Keith Langford (193-SG-83, college: Kansas) responded with 17 points for the USA. Taurean Prince (201-F-94) and Brown Bobby (188-PG-84, college: CS Fullerton) had 16 points each in the defeat.
Puerto Rico - Venezuela 89-72
Puerto Rico fired past Venezuela to gain the first victory in Toronto. Puerto Rico finished at 1-2 record in Group A. Jose Juan Barea (183-PG-84, college: Northeastern) stepped up wtih 27 points and 6 assists for the winners. Puerto Rico opened a 23:13 lead after the opening quarter. Venezuela narrowed the gap in the next two periods. They pulled within a single point at the final break. But Puerto Rico responded with a 28:11 run in the fourth stanza to ice the victory. Devon Collier (203-PF-91, college: Oregon St.) finished with 21 points for the winners. John Cox (194-G-81, college: USF) and Nestor Colmenares (203-PF-87, agency: Pro Sports, college: Campbellsville) responded with 17 points each for Venezuela.
Group B
Dominican Republic - Argentina 70-80
Argentina knocked down Dominican Republic but failed to make into the semifinal stage. Dominican Republic managed to clinch the second position in Group B despite the loss. Nicolas Brussino (200-G/F-93) accounted for 21 points to pace the winners. Argentina used a strong 26:14 rally in the second period to take a 12-point lead. But Dominican Republic answered with a 20:10 rally of their own to narrow the gap at the final intermission. Argentina unleashed 26 points in the fourth frame but could not get much needed 14-point win at the end. Patricio Garino (198-G/F-93) delivered 13 points for the winners. James Maye (201-G/F-81, college: NC-Greensboro) responded with 19 points for Dominican Republic.
Canada - Mexico 96-76
Canada registered the third consecutive victory in Toronto. The hosts coasted past Mexico to finish on top of Group B. Brady Heslip (188-G-90, college: Baylor) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners. Canada recorded a 27:16 lead after the opening quarter. They maintained the advantage throughout the rest of the contest. Canada entered the fourth frame up by 14 points and cruised to the win. Jamal Murray (198-F/G-97) had 14 points for the home team. Orlando Mendez-Valdez (183-G-86, agency: Pro Sports, college: W.Kentucky) responded with game-high 24 points for Mexico.
