2013 FIBA Americas Championship: Mexico, Puerto Rico to battle for first place

Mexico and Puerto Rico will battle for first place in the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, after dispatching Argentina and the Dominican Republic, respectively, on Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time) at the Polidero de Caracas in Caracas, Venezuela.

Mexico, which only qualified as a late replacement for the banned Panama team, upset the more-heralded Argentina squad 76-70.

Team captain Gustavo Ayon, who is signed with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks for next season, out-played his counterpart on the other end, veteran Luis Scola, posting a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds, versus the Indiana Pacer's 18 markers and eight boards, though Scola did add five assists.

Argentina actually led 58-53, entering the final canto, but they nearly got doubled-up by Mexico, 23-12.

Mexico dominated the paint, 40-28, with a 13-2 margin in second-chance points.

In the second game of the day, Puerto Rico leaned on big performances from their starters to best the Dominican Republic 79-67.

The backcourt of Juan Jose Barea and Carlos Arroyo combined for 36 points and 11 assists as they out-ran their counterparts on the other team.

Forward Ronaldo Balkman added a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds, plus four steals and a block.

The Dominican Republic was led by forward Eulis Baez's 12 points and six boards, but he was the only one on his side to score in double-figures.

Mexico and Puerto Rico play tomorrow for the title, while Argentina and the Dominican Republic battle for third. All four squads have already qualified for the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. - AMD, GMA News