ISLA MARGARITA (South American Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Neither Argentina, nor Brazil, sent top teams to the South American Championship yet each ended up with strong showings that bode well for their upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup campaigns.

Argentina coach Julio Lamas and Brazil boss Ruben Magnano will be able to add quality players to their World Cup squads from the teams that competed in Venezuela.

South American Championship hosts Venezuela, led by coach Nestor 'Che' Garcia, defeated Argentina 74-65 in Monday's Final.

With talisman Greivis Vasquez running the point again after missing last year's FIBA Americas Championship through injury, the Venezuelans impressed from start to finish.

The Toronto Raptors playmaker had 24 points in the title win and was named MVP of the event.

"Thank God we got this victory," Vasquez said.

"It is an important triumph for me and for the team.

"Personally, it reminds me of my college days. I am an athlete that needs to play with personality and emotion to get my game going.

"As a Venezuelan, I'm proud. When we went out of last year's Pre-Mundial (FIBA Americas Championship), I told my teammates that we would be the South American champions and we are.

"It showed that we are capable of winning tournaments."

Argentina got another strong showing from Selem Safar, with the shooting guard pouring in 16 points.

With Manu Ginobili's place in the FIBA Basketball World Cup squad in doubt because of a stress fracture, Safar's offense will be crucial for Argentina.

He made four of eight three-pointers against Venezuela.

Brazil clinched third place with a 66-61 triumph over Uruguay.

Center Rafael Hettsheimer boosted his chances of taking one of the two remaining spots in their World Cup squad with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

FIBA