FIBA Americas 2015 Schedule & Scores: Mexico, Argentina To Sweep Group? Canada Face Puerto Rico
Mexico and Argentina will look to sweep the group stage on the final day of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship preliminary round on Friday in Mexico City.
On the other hand, Canada will try to finish second in Group B or have a chance to end up on top depending on the result of Argentina's final group-stage game. Here is a breakdown of Friday's matches.
Argentina vs. Venezuela, 1 p.m. ET
Argentina will put their unblemished 3-0 record at stake against Venezuela in the opening game of the day.
Argentina are coming off a 96-64 blowout win against Cuba on Thursday. Veteran Andres Nocioni led the Argentine squad with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Luis Scola added 11 points and eight rebounds.
On the other hand, Venezuela absorbed their first defeat of the tournament, losing to Canada 82-62. They still have a chance to top the group, but they need to win by huge margin or hope that the Canadians will lose to Puerto Rico.
Brazil vs. Panama, 3:30 p.m. ET
Brazil and Panama will collide in all-important match, where the loser could bid goodbye to their Olympic hopes.
The winner will advance to the second round, while the loser will have to wait for the result of the Mexico-Uruguay match. If Uruguay win over the host, the loser of the Brazil-Panama game will be eliminated.
Canada vs. Puerto Rico, 7 p.m. ET
Canada, led by 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins, will go up against Puerto Rico.
Canada need to win in order to have a chance to top Group B. A win for Canada and a victory for Venezuela against Argentina will force a three-way tie on top of the group standings.
Canada defeated Venezuela, 82-62, on Thursday, while Argentina escaped with a 94-87 win against the Canadians on Tuesday. Canada will likely finish on top of the group if Venezuela will manage to pull off an upset against Argentina.
Mexico vs. Uruguay, 9:30 p.m. ET
Meanwhile, host Mexico will go for a sweep of their preliminary round assignments. They will face Uruguay in the final game of the group stage at the Palacio de los Deportes.
Mexico have already clinched the top spot in Group A after scoring an 82-68 win against Panama, but the defending champions are expected to stay focused on Friday.
A loss for Uruguay could mean elimination if Brazil win against Panama. If Uruguay and Panama end up with a similar 1-3 record, the latter will advance because they won in their matchup on Tuesday, 78-71.
Where To Watch & Online Streaming
The 2015 FIBA Americas Championship games will be broadcasted live on ESPN and through online streaming via WatchESPN. Complete box scores and recap will be posted on the tournament's official website.
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