Peachtree Hoops: 2011 FIBA Ameriacas Championship: Puerto Rico Knocks Off The Dominican Republic 79-62

[Hawksquawk]

Al Horford and the Dominican Republic were defeated by Puerto Rico 79-62 Thursday night at the FIBA Americas Championship. Al Horford and company fell behind for good in the second quarter and never were able to reclaim the lead. Despite the loss, the Dominican Republic has clinched a spot in the semifinals this weekend and will be playing for an Olympic berth. 

Al Horford once again led the way for the Dominican Republic finishing with 16 poins and nine rebounds. Jack Michael Martinez added 12 points and nine rebounds to continue his string of good performances. Charlie Villanueva added 10 points in the loss. Francisco Garcia was non existent finishing with just two points on 1 for 10 shooting including 0 for 7 from three point range. Alex Galindo led the way for Puerto Rico with 16 points while Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea finished with 14 points and seven assists. 

The Dominican Republic is back in action on Thursday afternoon as they take on Argentina who was upset by Brazil on Wednesday. Those three teams along with Puerto Rico will make up the teams in the semi finals but the match ups are still to be determined. NBA.com writer John Schuhmann breaks down the scenarios in yesterday's wrap up of the FIBA Americas action. 

So here are your scenarios for Thursday, when Argentina will face the Dominican Republic and Brazil will face Puerto Rico…

• If Argentina and Brazil win, then Brazil (1st) will face the Dominican Republic (4th) and Argentina (2nd) will face Puerto Rico (3rd) in Saturday’s semifinals.
• If Argentina and Puerto Rico win, then Argentina (1st) will face the Dominican Republic (4th) and Puerto Rico (2nd) will face Brazil (3rd).
• If the Dominican Republic and Brazil win, then Brazil finishes first and second, third and fourth place will come down to point differential in games played between Argentina, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
• If the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico win, then Puerto Rico (1st) will face Argentina (4th) and the Dominican Republic (2nd) will face Brazil (3rd).

Reminder: The two winners of the two semifinals qualify for the Olympics. The two losers will join the fifth-place team (Venezuela or Canada) at the 12-team Olympic qualifying tournament in early July. The top three finishers in that tournament will qualify for the Olympics.

View the full article