AMERICAS / Semifinals set

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) - Brazil beat Argentina and Puerto Rico in consecutive days to top the Quarterfinal Group and face Dominican Republic on Saturday's semifinal.

Ruben Magnano's team and Argentina tied the Group with a record of 6-1 but Brazil prevailed in the tie-breaker after winning Wednesday's game between both teams.

The semifinals to be played on Saturday will be Brazil-Dominican Republic, followed by Argentina-Puerto Rico.

Experienced Marcelo Machado came from the bench in every game and was the responsible to explain what Brazil should change in order to beat their Saturday's opponents.

"The first thing we have to do is forgetting about the first game against Dominican Republic. We have to control their offense and go on playing like we are now."

Argentina recovered fast from a heavy Wednesday's loss to outclass DR by a 26-point margin.

"Brazil and Argentina were the two best teams of the tournament and I want my revenge against them. But first we have to play the most important game of all the tournament," said Manu Ginóbili, who scored 15 points in the first half and only two in the second half in Argentina's 84-58 win over DR.

"I had no legs in the second half. I'm not used to playing in back to back to back nights. I was pretty tired and also proud our bench did the job," added the San Antonio Spurs player.

Puerto Rico's coach Flor Meléndez said it was hard thinking on Argentina before they could leave behind a tough defeat to Brazil.

"Once we had the chance to motivate our players after losing so badly, we will start talking about Argentina," said Meléndez.

For José Juan Barea the game against Brazil was already forgotten two minutes after it ended. "We have to prepare for Saturday, we have to play our best game and defend better than we did in the previous game."

FIBA