Brazil and Canada secure Semi-Final spots after Day 2 of FIBA Americas U18 Championship
VALDIVIA (FIBA Americas U18 Championship) – Group A is set, victories for Canada and Brazil qualified both teams to the Semi-Finals of the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship and for the 2017 FIBA U19 World Championship. United States and Puerto Rico picked up wins in Group B.
The day started with a dominating performance from Canada over Dominican Republic. The Canadians imposed their transition game and athleticism on a limited Dominican attack and won the game by the score of 87-74. The Caribbean team fought hard and stayed disciplined throughout but it was not enough against a versatile offensive output from the Canadians led by Oshea Brisset and Nickeil Walker with 23 and 19 points respectively.
Canada defeats Dominican Republic at FIBA Men's U18 Americas Championship
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) July 20, 2016
Recap: https://t.co/brKLmIqWUd pic.twitter.com/xKwXxplB9n
USA overpowered Virgin Islands by the score of 107-63. The Caribbean squad could not keep up with the talented North Americans that were impeccable on their way to another victory in the competition. USA has not lost in the U18 Championship since 2008. Michael Porter Jr. led USA with 20 points in the win.
Porter Jr with no mercy! ✈💪🏻🏀 @usabasketball #FIBAU18Americas
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 20, 2016
LIVE: https://t.co/CaLYq7Al7g https://t.co/uQQ2TvKN9K
Brazil won the South American “clasico” against Argentina 54-51 in a thriller characterized by a low-shooting percentage from both teams and an incredible performance from Brazilian big man Michael Uchendi who scored 11 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in the victory. It came down to the last possession and Argentina could not make a three to tie the game and send it to over time. Brazil won and qualified along with Canada to the Semi-Finals and next year’s FIBA U19 World Championship.
BÁSQUETBOL | Brasil venció 54-51 a Argentina en #FIBAU18Americas Masculino de Valdivia https://t.co/kWxi0xVOTh pic.twitter.com/ybAUWPYElp
— Radio Sport Chile (@RadioSportChile) July 21, 2016
Puerto Rico won the big one. The Caribbeans defeated host Chile by the score of 70-60 due to a great third quarter led by Jesus Cruz with 15 points and a driving mentality that changed everything for his national team. Chile was able to mount a 10-point lead early in the third but Puerto Rico with a 15-5 run to open the fourth won it and improved to 1-1 in Group B.
#FIBAU18Americas Men's Group B: @fbpur 70-60 Chile
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 21, 2016
📊 https://t.co/L4Ke5P5R6o
📷 https://t.co/zFdBaoeBLX pic.twitter.com/DSZguiRAHj
Tomorrow, Brazil and Canada will play for first place in Group A in the opener, followed by Virgin Islands v Puerto Rico, Argentina v Dominican Republic, and Chile v USA in the closer.
Follow the action of the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship on youtube.com/fiba.
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