BRA - Brazil, Argentina win in Super Four

ROSARIO (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Oceania Championship) - Brazil and Argentina both picked up wins in their opening games of the Super Four tournament on Saturday.

Brazil came back to edge Australia 74-71 while Argentina had a more comfortable time in beating Uruguay 82-70 in this warm-up tournament for four teams looking to qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championship through their upcoming regional tourmaments.

Brazil had seen Australia pull seven points clear in the third quarter, but they held the Boomers to just 12 points in the final quarter to come roaring back, and claimed victory as David Barlow's last-gasp three-point attempt came back off the rim.

Bruno Fiorotto led Brazil with 22 points, while Jonathan Tavernari added 17.

Barlow finished with 13 points for Australia while Nathan Jawai had 12.

Hosts Argentina built a big lead early and held Uruguay at arm's length throughout.

They were worried only once when Uruguay, having been down 51-35, used an 18-5 run to slash the gap to just three before Argentina moved back through the gears to win.

Paolo Quinteros led Argentina with 18 points while Luis Scola added 17.

Uruguay wasted a 29-point effort from Esteban Batista.

Before the tournament got under way, Argentina beat Australia 98-78 in a friendly on Friday night.

Quinteros was again the star with 26 points.

Joe Ingles led Australia with 22.

FIBA