Brazil 75 vs. Canada 67
LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - When you think of Brazil's Leandro Barbosa, you think of speed. True to form, the 6'4'' guard got off to a fast start and ultimately helped Brazil race to a 75-67 victory. Canada, however, would not go quietly. As such, the contest was much more a marathon than a ...
LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - When you think of Brazil's Leandro Barbosa, you think of speed.
True to form, the 6'4'' guard got off to a fast start and ultimately helped Brazil race to a 75-67 victory.
Canada, however, would not go quietly. As such, the contest was much more a marathon than a sprint.
Barbosa netted 11 points during an opening quarter in which Brazil, as a team, shot 67 percent from the field.
Facing a 25-12 deficit after one period of play, Canada would make some noise.
Juan Mendez's hot hand in the second stanza (five-of-seven from the field), helped pull the Canadians to within three points at the half, 36-33.
The second half would once again belong to Barbosa, who finished with a game high 30 points.
Adding 12 points and nine rebounds was forward Tiago Splitter, who was a factor inside all night.
Samuel Dalembert tallied 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Canadians while Mendez finished with 18 points in a losing effort.
Notes: Canada's Andy Rautins sustained what appeared to be a knee injury early in the first half of Canada's loss to Brazil.
Tim Kuck
USA Basketball