With 29 points from the red-and-black players and led by José Neto, Brazil debuted with a victory in the South American Championship, beating Paraguay 73 to 56. The competition, held on Margarita Island, Venezuela, will qualify for two important competitions in the 2015 season. The top three finishers will secure a spot in the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, while the top four will secure their participation in the Pre-Olympic Tournament of the Americas.

"We're improving every day, every game, every training session. We know what we need to improve to achieve our goals in the competition, and we're going after those improvements. I can guarantee that the team is very focused, and I have a lot of faith in these players who are here," said Neto, coach of Brazil and Flamengo.

In the starting five, Vitor Benite scored six points, two rebounds and one assist. Olivinha (8 points and 4 rebounds), Cristiano Felício (7 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist) and Gegê (8 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds) came off the bench and performed well on the court. In the second round, this Friday (25.07), Brazil faces Ecuador at 14 pm, Brasília time.

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