By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
USA defeated Uruguay 78-70 at Montevideo and sealed a ticket to the FIBA World Cup, which will be played this summer in China. The Americans turned the game around in the final minutes. Travis Trice was instrumental down the stretch and finished with 17 points on Sunday.
Argentina also secured a ticket to China with its 85-71 victory against Mexico, which was officially eliminated from the World Cup. Luis Scola poured 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Nicolas Laprovittola and Marcos Delia added 13 points each.
In the other Group E game of the night at Panama City, Puerto Rico eliminated Panama and kept its World Cup hopes with a 71-70 win. Alex Franklin posted 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, but the Puerto Ricans needed some effective defense down the stretch for the “W”.
Group E Standings:
1. Argentina 19 (9-1)
2. United States 18 (8-2)
3. Uruguay 16 (6-4)
4. Puerto Rico 16 (6-4)
5. Panama 14 (4-6)
6. Mexico 13 (3-7)
-Three first teams will qualify to the FIBA World Cup, best fourth-placed team among two groups will also qualify
Photo Credit: FIBA