RECIFE (Brazil) - It's no secret that Brazil basketball has plenty of history and are one of the traditional continental powers in the FIBA Americas. Knowing this, there's a notable stat about Brazil at the FIBA AmeriCup that is hard to believe.

Before this year's edition of the AmeriCup, Brazil had surprisingly only won two out of their last 11 games across the previous three editions (2013, 2015, 2017) of the tournament. Before it was named the AmeriCup for 2017, it was formerly known as the FIBA Americas Championship in previous editions.

Back in 2013, Brazil finished 9th out of 10 teams with a record of 0-4. In 2015, they finished 9th out of 10 again with a record of 1-3 and then in 2017, they finished 10th out of 12 teams with a record of 1-2. In those three AmeriCup tournaments, Brazil had a combined record of 2-9 and never advanced out of group play. They also had a total point differential of -44 in 2013, -32 in 2015 and -30 in 2017.

Stats and results like this from past tournaments will more than likely get lost or forgotten about when someone thinks about Brazil basketball, as these tournaments were several years ago and featured many different players.

Before those three tournaments, Brazil had two podium finishes that included a silver medal in 2011 and a gold medal in 2009.

Hosting this year's AmeriCup in front of their home crowd for the first time since 1984 (when it was in Sao Paulo) has definitely given Brazil an additional boost on the court to perform up to their standards again.

How much has the home crowd helped? The hosts have conceded fewer than 70 points in each of their four games so far, which is more than they did so in their previous 16 games. They're also the only team yet to give up at least 70 points in a game this tournament.

The quest for gold at this year's AmeriCup is still very much within reach for Brazil as they are currently 4-0 and in the Semi-Finals, where they will soon face off against Canada on Saturday September 10. The four wins this year are more than they had in the previous three editions combined.

The last time Brazil hosted in 1984, FIBA Hall of Famer Oscar Schmidt led them to gold. It would only be fitting for this year's team to replicate that performance behind the support of their passionate fanbase, as they look to get back on the right side of history at the most prestigious competition for senior men's basketball in the Americas.

FIBA