BRA/MEX - Brazil continues to roll after win over Mexico

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Brazil crushed Mexico 92-61 to win their fifth straight game at the FIBA Americas Championship.

The recipe hasn't changed since day one, great offense combined with a good defense thanks to an incredible depth by the team coached by Spaniard Moncho Monsalve.

Varejao and Barbosa led Brazil to a quicky 17-7 lead in the first quarter and at the end the lead was 24-17. Varejao had 8, Barbosa 7, and Splitter 5 for Brazil. Mexico had Noe Alonzo with 8 points.

In the second quarter Brazil took off with an 11-0 run, finishing with a basket by Marcelo Huertas to increase their lead 45-27 and finish the half 45-29. Barbosa led with 11 points while Varejao followed with 10 and Huertas 9.

Mexico shot a poor 38% from the field (12-32) at halftime and their leader was still Alonzo with 8 while Omar Quintero followed with 6 points.

The bench players continued to score for Brazil combined with Barbosa to continue adding to the lead. Guilherme Giovannoni, Marcelinho Machado and Leandro Barbosa placed the finishing touches to a 69-45 third quarter advantage. In the final quarter the reserves continued to to run the clock and get their points for another win.

Leandro Barbosa finished with 18 points, Anderson Varejao and Guilherme Giovannoni netted 10 each. Varejao also added 12 rebounds and Marcelinho Machado dished 5 assists.

Mexico was led by Anthony Pedroza and Noe Alonzo with 10 points each. The Mexicans now have an 0-4 record.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

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