The FIBA Americas Championship 2013 has already produced a number of thrillers so far with Puerto Rico securing its seat in the FIBA World Cup after edging Venezuela 86-85 courtesy of a game-winning heave by J.J Barea on Saturday. Today, the level intensity is expected to get up to the ceiling as five teams fight for the final three semifinal slots along with berths to next year's competition in Spain.
After starting the tourney on a positive note, Canada was finally exposed as their young and talented core struggled to handle the pressure at crunch time. After two straight setbacks against Venezuela and Dominican Republic, Tristan Thompson and company found themselves in a make-or-break battle with three time FIBA Americas champ Argentina (2:00 p.m).
Argentina, surprisingly, has played below their standards throughout the tourney, causing them scrabbling for a qualifying berth in FIBA World Cup. Without Manu Ginobili, Pablo Priogini and Carlos Delfino, Argentina has no option but to lean on Luis Scola each game. However, the Indiana Pacers forward has been playing way subpar the entire tourney and it's enough reason why a mighty international team like Argentina is in this odd situation.
Also looking to punch their way into the semifinals are Dominican Republic, Mexico, and host country Venezuela. Dominican Republic will try to book its place in the final four against Uruguay at 11:45 a.m. (Eastern Time) while Mexico is gunning for all the marbles against Puerto Rico at 5:30 p.m. Venezuela and Jamaica will cap the second round of elimination at 8:30 p.m.
Live Streaming, T.V Schedule, Scores & Results
Schedule & Boxscore
11:30 AM Dominican Republic vs. Uruguay
2:00 PM Argentina vs. Canada
5:20 PM Mexico vs. Puerto Rico
7:50 PM Venezuela vs. Jamaica
Live Streaming of FIBA Americas 2013 Games will be available on ESPN 3 - ESPN Watch starting at 11:00 a.m. This link also provides free and complete live streaming information on FIBA Americas 2013. Scores, Stats & Results are available on FIBA Americas Boxscore.