DOM/VEN - Villanueva and Garcia give the Dominican Republic their second win

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Charlie Villanueva scored 28 points and Francisco Garcia 21 to lead the Dominican Republic to their second win in the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship by beating Venezuela 78-73 on day four.

Villanueva also grabbed 12 rebounds and his NBA partner, Al Horford, ended with 14 points and 12 boards.

The Dominicans had a 14-6 lead thanks to Villanueva and Garcia and finished up 21-18. In the second quarter they kept the lead and at halftime the score was 40-32. Garcia netted 16 points and Villanueva 11 at the half. Hector Romero led Venezuela with 16 points.

Carlos Morban stopped a Venezuelan comeback and at the end of the third quarter Francisco Garcia made a three pointer to close the first 30 minutes 64-51.

Venezuela made another rally in the final quarter, a 17-5 run, eight of those points in a row to be down 76-71 after a three point play by Richard Lugo. The Dominican defense was too tough and the Venezuelans could not get a quality shot to lose once again.

Hector Romero led Venezuela with 25 points, Richard Lugo 16 and Oscar Torres 14. Greivis Vasquez had a good performance with 11 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

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