With Benite leading the way, Brazil defeats the USA and faces the Dominican Republic in the semifinals.
With the victory, the Brazilian team secures its leadership, undefeated, of Group A.
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
This Friday (July 24), at 2:30 p.m. (Brasília time), Brazil and the Dominican Republic will play in one of the semifinals of the basketball tournament at the Pan American Games in Toronto. On the other side, Canada and the United States face off at 7 p.m. The winners will play for the gold medal on Saturday (July 25), at 5 p.m., while the losers will decide the bronze medal at noon. The National Team secured its undefeated lead, heading into the semifinal against the second-place team in Group B, with a 93-83 victory over the United States on Thursday night (July 23). The standout player of the match was Brazil's point guard Benite, who scored 34 points (8 3-pointers), seven rebounds and one assist.
"The team effort was also important. Everyone worked hard to get me the ball because it was a good day for me. But the team managed to position itself very well, and all the players worked intelligently. We're happy with the performance, but we're keeping our feet on the ground because we haven't achieved anything we set out to do yet. For the next game against the Dominican Republic, in a few hours, we need to stay focused and concentrated to get the win and a place in the final," commented Benite.
Another Flamengo player, newly signed center João Paulo Batista, was also one of the best on the court, with 13 points, one rebound, and three assists. Olivinha, a power forward for Orgulho da Nação, also plays for the Brazilian National Team in Canada.
"The team effort was also important. Everyone worked hard to get me the ball because it was a good day for me. But the team managed to position itself very well, and all the players worked intelligently. We're happy with the performance, but we're keeping our feet on the ground because we haven't achieved anything we set out to do yet. For the next game against the Dominican Republic, in a few hours, we need to stay focused and concentrated to get the win and a place in the final," commented Benite.
Another Flamengo player, newly signed center João Paulo Batista, was also one of the best on the court, with 13 points, one rebound, and three assists. Olivinha, a power forward for Orgulho da Nação, also plays for the Brazilian National Team in Canada.