MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina (AP) — Brazil handed Argentina its first loss of the Olympic basketball qualifying tournament for the Americas, beating the host team 73-70 on Wednesday behind 19 points from Rafael Hettsheimer.
In other second-round matches Wednesday, Puerto Rico defeated the Dominican Republic 79-62, Canada edged Uruguay 70-68 and Venezuela routed Panama 110-74.
Argentina, Puerto Rico, Brazil and the Dominican Republic had already advanced to Saturday’s semifinals.
The two finalists qualify for the London Olympics. The United States has already qualified for the games after winning the world championship last year.
The teams that finish third through fifth earn spots in another qualifying tournament just before the Olympics which will award the final berths.
