FIBA Americas - Venezuela finally play like hosts
CARACAS (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - El "Poliedro" Coliseum was vibrating as 12,000 Venezuelans rooted for their team, which at the beginning, had no chance in the eyes of anyone to win. However, on Sunday Venezuela pulled an upset over the Dominican Republic - a team that had torched Argentina the day before - in Group ...
CARACAS (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - El "Poliedro" Coliseum was vibrating as 12,000 Venezuelans rooted for their team, which at the beginning, had no chance in the eyes of anyone to win. However, on Sunday Venezuela pulled an upset over the Dominican Republic - a team that had torched Argentina the day before - in Group B at the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship.
Donta Smith did what everyone expected from him, scoring at will on his way to 19 points and point guard David Cubillan added 12 in the host team's 70-65 win over the Dominicans.
Venezuela improved to 2-1 while the Dominican Republic dropped to 1-1. James Feldeine had 19 points for the Dominicans, who face Mexico (2-0) on Monday. Venezuela take on Argentina (1-1).
Sunday's action got underway with Canada rolling to a 91-62 win over powerhouse Brazil.
The Brazilians were never in the game as Canada's offense and good defense frustrated the Brazilian veterans Marcelinho Huertas and Guillerme Giovanonni.
Huertas got two technical fouls out of frustration and coach Ruben Magnano - who led Argentina to gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics - was tossed in the third quarter.
Corey Joseph led the way for Canada with 28 points, 9 assists and 3 rebounds, while Andrew Nicholson added 13.
Giovanonni (11 points) and Alex Garcia (10 points) were the only players to score in double figures for Brazil.
Canada improved to 2-1 in Group A and their next game is on Tuesday.
Brazil dropped to 0-2 and face Uruguay (1-1) on Monday.
Mexico had another great performance as they cruised past Paraguay 87-65. Although they have faced probably the two weaker teams in Group B, the Mexicans have looked good under Spanish coach Sergio Valdeolmillos, who has them playing European style basketball, with plenty of passes that create open looks.
Point guard Orlando Mendez exploded for 17 points and Atlanta Hawks big man Gustavo Ayon had 14 for the Mexicans.
Paraguay, with a very diminished team, played their hearts out, but lacked talent. Ramon Sanchez had 21 points and Guillermo Araujo finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Mexico are undefeated after two games, while Paraguay are winless in their first three and will welcome having Monday off.
In Sunday's last game, Puerto Rico stayed perfect (3-0) as they played very relaxed against Uruguay and ran away with a 93-69 win.
Carlos Arroyo had 19 points and 8 assists, while Alex Galindo provided a great boost off the bench, finishing with 19 points of his own. Renaldo Balkman finished with 18 points.
Leandro Garcia Morales had 17 points in the loss that dropped Uruguay to 1-1 in Group A. Mathias Calfani added 14 points.
Puerto Rico will look to head into the Second Round with a perfect record when they face Jamaica on Monday.
For full and in-depth coverage of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, go to the official website http://www.caracas2013.com/en/default.asp?lang=en.
FIBA