Venezuela win on last day of Second Round to complete Semi-Final picture at FIBA Americas Championship

MEXICO CITY (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - Venezuela beat Panama, 75-62, on Wednesday to complete the Semi-Final picture at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.

With the win, Venezuela set up a Semi-Final clash against Canada on Friday, while Argentina will face Mexico in a re-match of what became an instant classic on the last day of the Group Phase.

Puerto Rico concluded their campaign with an 80-69 win over Uruguay to finish fifth and earn the last spot on offer to American teams for next year's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs).

Venezuela claimed the last Semi-Final spot in a game in which they displayed their suffocating defense and collective offensive to maintain their Olympic Dream alive.

"One of our goals was to be in the Semi-Finals and luckily we got it," Venezuelan player, Venezuela forward Nestor Colmenares said after the game.

"This was thanks to our coach Nestor Garcia, who changed our basketball philosophy in the last few years. We are aware that the tournament has not finished, we need to win on Friday to achieve something historic."

Canada had another impressive and powerful win in beating the Dominican Republic, 120-103.

Cory Joseph had 17 points, 7 assists and 1 rebound in the winning cause.

"I really think we did what was necessary to win," said Canada head coach Jay Triano after the win. "It was a tough game after what had been a great night against Mexico.

"We now have 48 hours to prepare for the Semi-Final. The focus is not on our next opponent, but on us. If we focus on defense, we're good. The first game with Argentina was a great experience and helped us to keep improving."

When the Second Round started on Monday, and a win against Mexico slipped through their hands, the Boricuas looked dejected and staggered.

However, that changed quickly as they followed that up with three consecutive wins and closed their participation in Mexico with their best performance to take the last of the three tickets to the 2016 OQTs.

"This team has suffered more injuries and setbacks than my whole experience as a player,"  said Puerto Rico forward John Holland.

"We've had a lot of dedication, we stuck together and put Puerto Rico and playing for the country as a priority."

In the day's last game, with another record crowd - this time of 16,314 spectators - in attendance at the Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico used a 36-11 fourth quarter to overcome a 15-point deficit and hand Argentina their first defeat of the tournament.

Gustavo Ayon had a night to remember, going for 38 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 assists.

With the victory, the Semi-Finals of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship are set.

On Friday, Canada will take on Venezuela and in a rematch of Wednesday's game, Argentina will take on Mexico.

The winners of the two Semi-Finals will qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, while the losers will earn spots at the 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Go to fiba.com/Americas2015 for full coverage of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.

FIBA