MEDELLIN (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - For 40 minutes, Colombia tasted a bit of surprise and history. At the end, the game ended against the Colombians, but they demonstrated that their basketball is going straight forward.

Brazil had to play to the max while facing a strong Colombia. At the end, the Brazilians prevailed 76-74 at Group A’s final game during the FIBA AmeriCup 2017 in Medellin.

This was the host country's debut in a tournament organized by FIBA Americas, and they hadn't played at a continental level since de 1997 Pan American Games in Cali. This was also their first encounter outside a South American Championship since 1982, when they hosted the Basketball World Cup.

Fans filled the Iván de Bedout Coliseum early on. Colombia played fearlessly against a historic Brazilian national team and the match's closeness motivated fans the public to chant: “Sí se puede, sí se puede! (Yes we can, yes we can!)” on several occasions. The local team went to the court with a 0-18 record in official games against the Brazilian Verdeamarela.

“This is very important. A game like this against rivals like Brazil, who have so much experience and good players. Having fans come out to support us is very important,” said Shooting Guard Braian Angola, who scored 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Colombian side.

His team had several options in the final minute, and yet, luck was not by their side. They couldn't achieve their first victory against the Brazilian team. Although the result was a setback, Colombia demonstrated that they will not be an easy prey during the rest of the tournament.

“We have a good team. There were options available. Brazil made more triples and we missed several free throws,” Angola declared.

The game's energy motivated local fans, who were relentless against the game’s officials each time they decided against the host team. The Brazilian side acknowledged they felt the pressure during the game.

“We're young and we felt the pressure a bit, but we were able to play a good game. We did a lot of positive things,” said Leandro Meindl, who led Brazil with 19 points and seven rebounds.

Although four Brazilian players did five rebounds or more, Colombia dominated them 43-39, which allowed them to stay in the game until the very end.

“They were very strong in the offensive rebounds. At certain times we weren’t able to stop them anymore. Now we're getting ready for tomorrow,” Meindl explained.

On Saturday, during the second day's first game Brazil (1-0) will face Mexico (also 1-0), who won a difficult game against Puerto Rico. For Brazil, it's clear what they must do to achieve the victory that will take them to the Final Four at Córdoba.

“Defense. That's our strongest asset, as well as transition. If we do it, we win the game,” Meindl pointed out.

Meanwhile, Colombia (0-1) will play the second game against Puerto Rico (0-1), in a match that gives some hope of reaching the Semi-Final to the winning team; and will ultimately eliminate the game's loser. The Colombians know that they must play against the Boricuas with the same intensity they did so against Brazil.

“We have to do again what we did today (Friday), but rebounding a little bit more and improving the defense,” Angola concluded.

FIBA