URU/MEX - Strong finish for Uruguay in the preliminary round

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Uruguay defeated Mexico 54-49 to finish 3-1 in the first round of the FIBA Americas Championship. They now have to wait for the result of the last game between Puerto Rico and Canada to know in which position they will arrive in the quarterfinals.

Uruguay at least secured a second place spot if Puerto Rico beats Canada tonight. A win by Canada by ten points or more will get the North Americans in first place. If Canada wins by less than ten points the Uruguayans will end in second place as they defeated the Canadians yesterday.

Mauricio Aguiar led Uruguay with 15 points while Esteban Batista had another strong showing with 13 points and 18 rebounds.

In the first quarter Mauricio Aguiar made 10 points and Uruguay finished up 18-10. In the second quarter Mexico was tough on defense and played most of their offense in the paint as they led at the half 29-26. Llamas led Mexico with 8 points in the first 20 minutes.

Uruguay passed by the Mexicans with a 16-0 run to take a 44-31 lead with 2:23 left after two free throws by Aguiar. The third quarter ended 44-33.

Mexico was a threat again in the final ten minutes closing in 52-49 after a basket by Gustavo Ayon with 56 seconds but Esteban Batista made a free throw with 36.6 seconds to put the game by four and the Mexicans could not make another basket.

Gustavo Ayon finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds and Horacio Llamas 10.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

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