Brazil burry Mexico with 3-point shooting, advance to OQT final / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The first game of a knockout stage in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Split, Croatia had two South American teams facing each other. Brazil (3-0) defeated Mexico (1-2) handily 102-74 (24-18, 29-24, 27-15, 22-17) and advanced to Sunday's final.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Vitor Alves Benite Points 22 Accuracy 8-11 Rebounds 2 Assists 3

Mexico opened the game with a 10-3 run. But Brazilians, who went undefeated in a group stage, responded with their own run and overtook the lead on a 3-pointer by Rafael Hettsheimeir with 4:44 to play. The quarter ended Brazil being up by six (24-18).

A layup from the veteran Anderson Varejao at the beginning of the second quarter stretched Brazil's lead to double-digits (29-18). Mexicans, on the other hand, couldn't buy a basket for almost three minutes. Finally, Gabriel Giron made a 3-point shot to snap a scoreless streak. But at that point, Brazil appeared to be in the grove with beautiful ball movement and 3-point shots.

Alex Garcia hit a crazy mid-court shot as the time expired to make the score 53-42 going into halftime.

Veteran shooting guards led both teams during the first half - Francisco Cruz and Vítor Benite, each scoring 16 points.

In the third quarter, Brazil continued their exceptional 3-point shooting. After Rafael Hettsheimeir's bucket, his team's lead jumped to 20 points (66-44). Mexico seemed incapable of finding answers to Brazil's high percentage shooting.

In the final quarter, Mexico wasn't able to produce a comeback. Teams traded baskets, with Brazil coming out on top. Vitor Benite led the winners with 22 points (6/8 3PT), while Pako Cruz (18 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST) was Mexico's best player.

Brazil advanced to the tournament's final and will be waiting for the winner of Germany vs. Croatia game. The final - with the Olympic invitation on the line - will be held on Sunday.

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