World Cup 2027 American Qualifiers: Colombia Bounce Back, Rout Venezuela

After absorbing losses to both Chile and Brazil at the Coliseo Evangelista Mora this window, Colombia finally found the win column at home, routing Venezuela 102-86 to close out the group phase. The hosts pulled away steadily behind a 27-point second quarter and an even bigger 32-point third, shooting a scorching 50.8 percent from the field as a team while limiting Venezuela's second-chance opportunities on the glass.
Hansel Atencia (178-PG-1997, college: Master's) and Braian Angola-Rodas (198-G/F-1994, college: FSU) each finished with 21 points and Angola added five assists, while Romario Roque (180-F-1998) contributed 20 points and Jaime Echenique (211-C-1997, college: Wichita St.) chipped in 16 points and four blocks. Venezuela got a spirited effort from Yohanner Sifontes (192-G-1995), who scored 20 points on a strong 9-of-14 mark from the free-throw line, and Edson Tovar (180-PG-2004) added 16, but the visitors couldn't keep pace once Colombia's shooting heated up in the middle quarters. The result closes out group play with Brazil finishing unbeaten atop the table, Colombia securing second, and Venezuela ending the round winless.