Puerto Rico have been the best team in the Qualifying Round at the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, winning all of their games to ease their way into the Second Round.
On Thursday, with the start of the Second Round, they were tested by a young and inexperienced Argentina (2-2) but responded very well as they rallied from a 15-point deficit to snatch at 94-80 win.
Puerto Rico (4-0) turned to their bench for a boost and got it with sharpshooter Alex Galindo hitting four three-pointers. Renaldo Balkman had a team-high 23 points and was the sparkplug for the Puerto Ricans, while Carlos Arroyo ran the offense and finished with 19 points and 5 assists.
Luis Scola, as usual, carried this young Argentina team with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Selem Safar went 4 of 8 from three-point range on his way to 15 points.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC vs JAMAICA.
The Dominicans used their full rotation to great effect as they cruised to a 78-60 win over Jamaica (1-3). James Feldeine scored 22 points and Jack Michael Martinez had 13. Akeem Scott scored 21 points, but Samardo Samuels and Yeyinmi Rose were kept in check for most of the game as they combined for only 11 total points.
CANADA vs MEXICO.
Canada (3-1) looked good against Mexico and the depth of their bench helped them to an 89-67 win. Point guard Brady Heslip was on fire from three-point territory, making 5 of 8 from the distance on his way to 21 points. Andy Rautins added 19. Omar Mendez scored 23 points and Gustavo Ayon had a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds.
VENEZUELA vs URUGUAY.
Venezuela had to sweat it out to beat a Uruguay team that missed the offense of Leandro Garcia Morales, 70-64. Venezuela dominated the game until late in the third quarter, when Uruguay fought back and even went ahead. However, they then made mistakes and some timely baskets by David Cubillan sealed the deal for the home side.
Rafael "Chamo" Perez had 14 points and Miguel Marriaga chipped in with 10 points for Venezuela. Nicolas Mazzarino had 18 points and Esteban Batista contributed 17 to pace Uruguay.
The top four teams in the Second Round will advance to the Semi-Finals and also qualify for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
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