BRA/PAN - Brazil is untouchable in the first round

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Brazil finished with a 4-0 record, dominating Group B of the FIBA Americas Championship after beating Panama 84-64.

The Brazilians won by an average of 15.5 points over teams like Argentina, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and now Panama. They will open the quarterfinals on Tuesday against the fourth place team in Group A.

Leandro Barbosa scored 17 points, Marcelo Huertas along with Anderson Varejao 15 each and Tiago Splitter 10.

A balanced first quarter ended with three pointers by Alex Garcia and Leandro Barbosa to give Brazil a 23-17 lead.

In the second quarter Marcelinho Machado along with Alex continued their three point attack and at the end Pinnock, who was the most consistent scorer for Panama in the tournament, finished it with a three pointer and the score at half was 42-36.

Moncho Monsalve, coach of the Brazilian NT, continued to tell his players that the goal was to leave Panama with 70 points or less and they achieved it with good pressure over the shooters and presence inside.

Danilo Pinnock netted 24 points for Panama while Leonardo Pomare finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Panama finished the first round with an 1-3 record and will get to the second round if only Argentina beats the Dominican Republic in the next game.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

ll Watch highlights of the game at FIBATV.com now - click here