By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Coming back from a double-digit deficit, Argentina managed to edge Venezuela, 69-66, in Puerto La Cruz Thursday. Facundo Campazzo fueling a 21-0 run stretching between the third and fourth quarter, ended up with 29 points to his name. Winning on the road, Argentina matched Venezuela at 4-1 on top of Group A.
Earlier, Marcelinho Huertas packing 12 points helped Brazil beat Uruguay, 73-60, and secure the top spot in Group B. For the hosts at Montevideo, Jayson Granger produced a game-high 20 points.
Both Brazil and Uruguay will be part of the next round and Colombia stayed in the hunt for the third spot as Andres Ibarguen sank the game-winner in the 67-66 victory against Chile in Barranquilla.
Elsewhere, Panama dominated Paraguay, 81-54.
2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers:
Group A
1. y-Venezuela 9 (4-1)
2. y-Argentina 9 (4-1)
3. y-Panama 7 (2-3)
4. x-Paraguay 5 (0-5)
Group B
1. y-Brazil 10 (5-0)
2. y-Uruguay 8 (3-2)
3. Chile 6 (1-4)
4. Colombia 6 (1-4)
Group C
1. y-Canada 8 (4-0)
2. y-Dominican Republic 7 (3-1)
3. Bahamas 5 (1-3)
4. Virgin Islands 4 (0-4)
Group D
1. y-USA 7 (3-1)
2. y-Mexico 7 (3-1)
3. y-Puerto Rico 6 (2-2)
4. x-Cuba 4 (0-4)
y-clinched a berth in the next round
x-eliminated
The 12 qualified teams will be split into two groups and carry results from the first round. The top three teams of each group and the best fourth-placed team will advance to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL