BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) - The second window of the FIBA ​​AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers started with Brazil's 77-71 victory over Panama, in a duel in which both teams arrived undefeated with the clear objective of occupying the first solo place in Group B, which is played in Buenos Aires at the Obras Sanitarias Gymnasium after approximately 8 months of recess for pandemic reasons.

The Panama team, was led by Trevor Gaskins, who scored 11 points in the first six minutes of the game, an offensive contribution that added to Brazil's erratic and hasty handling of the ball allowed him to take a 13-9 lead in the opening stages of the game.

Coach Aleksandr Petrovic, who had chosen Yago Santos, Lucas Dias, Gui Carvalho, Rafa Mineiro and Georginho de Paula as initiators of the Amazonians, responded immediately with his rotations and with 2:45 minutes remaining in the first quarter, Alexey entered Borges, Lucas Mariano and Caio Pacheco and the Amazonian team gained fluidity and closed the quarter with a 10-2 run and take an advantage (19-15 at the end of 1C) that they would not lose again during the rest of the match.

The depth of the Brazilian squad made the difference during the rest of the match. The bench added 34 points, 17 of them scored by rookie point guard Caio Pacheco who added 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 rebound.

Brazil was fierce in defense, causing up to 20 turnovers for Panama. Thanks to the scoring ability of Tony Bishop Jr and Akil Mitchell who led Panama offensively. Panama suffered many minutes of absence from its stars Trevor Gaskins and Eugenio Luzcando due to problems from the third quarter.

Another pillar in the Brazilian victory was Gui Carvalho, important on both sides of the court and signing double-digit 12 points and 11 rebounds being key for his selection to continue with a perfect record in three games in the transition to the next AmeriCup 2022.

Paraguay (0-2) will be Brazil's (3-0) next match on Saturday. 

FIBA