BRA - Brazil clinch Olympic berth

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) – Brazil had to wait 16 years to finally carry a Men’s Basketball Team to the Olympic Games. And they achieved the goal in their historical rivals’ house.

Marcelo Machado led the team in scoring coming off the bench to outclass Dominican Republic 83-76 in the first semifinal to secure a spot to the 2012 London Olympic Games. The most experienced player of the team scored 20 points, with 5 of 8 from long range.

“I refuse to retire without playing an Olympic Game. We can’t miss a new chance. It’s my dream to play in the Olympics and we will put all of our efforts to make it,” had said before the game the 36-year old guard.

It’s still unknown if Machado will be part of the team that will play the Olympics but he was key.

"This was my dream. I don't know if I will be fit for next year because I'm 36 already. But I will do everything to accomplish my dream of playing an Olympic Game.

“It's going to be harder to make it to the Rio de Janeiro Games. I will be 41, but who knows,” said Machado, who also handled in four assists in 25 minutes.

The other Marcelo, Huertas controlled the flow of the game as he contributed 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

According to Tiago Splitter, who was one of the four in foul trouble, Huertas is the biggest contender to become the tournament MVP.

“We had him for many years on the National Team. On this tournament he carried the team’s rhythm, he scored, he gave assists, he’s such a big player,” said the only NBA player who made the team.

It was a semifinal match that stayed close throughout. With nine minutes to play in the last quarter, four Brazilian big players had already accumulated four fouls, three of which were starters.

It was exactly at that point that Brazil were able to make it a double figure margin for the first time on the game. With five minutes to go, Machado poured in a three-pointer for a 72-62 lead.

Jack Michael Martínez and Al Horford combined for 36 points but was not enough.

Francisco García, who scored all of his eight points in the first half, was effectively controlled by 31-year old guard Alex Garcia in the second half.

“This is my career’s best moment. I’m really happy. Everything we have done with this team was to make it to this moment,” said the Brazilian, who also joked on Sunday’s final as he said “The Mascot can play as a point guard, the doctor as a shooting guard. We want to celebrate now and we don’t even think on the next game.”

Brazil clinched the first London spot, while Dominican Republic will play next year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

FIBA