FIBA Americup 2017 Day 2: Mexico surges into semis

 It’s going to be busy in the coming several weeks in global basketball. The FIBA Americup 2017 is in full swing, while the FIBA Eurobasket tournament is just around the corner. National teams vying to claim gold for pride and country will be heating up the hardwood with some amazing basketball action.

Two games took place in the ongoing FIBA Americup on August 27th. Mexico downed Brazil in a convincing 99-76 win, booking their seat in the semifinals. Mexico has been looking sharp so far in the competition and is primed to be a threat for that gold medal. They got off to an early start and did not look back. Lorenzo Mata and Fransico Cruz led the charge with 17 points apiece. Brazil, on the other hand, was in a bit of turmoil and lost key guard Bruno Caboclo in the second half of the game.

In the second game, Puerto Rico rolled over hosts Colombia, 72-91. They are now at an even 1-1 in the competition and are still very much in the thick of things. Carlos Rivera was their top scorer with 15 points. This game was close at its onset but Puerto Rico broke loose in the second quarter and rushed to a crushing lead. It was an excellent showing by the Puerto Rican squad, who overcame a 20-point explosion from Colombia’s Michael Jackson.