Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay reach semis in Caracas

Gabriel Landeira

Colombia - Brazil 39-74
Brazil thumped Colombia to secure the third straight win in Caracas. Brazil used a 31-4 run in the second term to open a comfortable 41-13 halftime lead. Brazil followed with a 21-11 run in the third period to clear off for good. Gabriel Landeira (195-PG-2004) chipped in 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for Brazil. Santiago Velasquez (F-2004) had 13 points for Colombia.

Venezuela - Argentina 58-59
Argentina came up strong in the second half and snatched a narrow win over Venezuela to finish group phase undefeated. Venezuela grabbed a 36-27 halftime lead. But Argentina used a 19-7 run in the third period to surge ahead for good. Lee Aaliya (205-F/C-2004) produced 13 points, while Dylan Bordon (190-G-2004) and Fausto Moussa (186-G-2004) added 10 points each for Argentina. Gregori Berroteran (191-PG-2004) and Terry Bardasz (188-G-2004) responded with 13 points each for Venezuela.

Ecuador - Chile 47-51
Chile nipped Ecuador in Group B action but failed to make into the semifinal stage. Benjamin Araya (192-SF-2004) stepped up with 17 points to lead the winners. Ecuador led comfortably by 12 points at the big break 28-16. But Chile held their opponents to just 19 points in the second half and marched to the win. Dilan Rubio (186-SG-2004) provided 11 points for Chile. Janer Arcila (172-G-2004) replied with 12 points for Ecuador.

Bolivia - Uruguay 63-77
Uruguay topped Bolivia to earn the second position in Group A. Uruguay dominated from start to finish. They established a 45-30 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 24-point mark at the final break and never looked back en route to the win. Guzman Vasilic (183-PG-2005) produced 14 points, while Bruno Curadossi (188-PG-2004) added 11 points in the victory. Leandro Chappottin (194-F-2004) replied with 13 points for Bolivia.