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Venezuela caused the biggest upset of the 2015 FIBA Americas so far on Friday after beating super favourite Canada in Mexico City. Argentina stunned hosts Mexico.
In the first Semi-Final, Windi Graterol hit three of his five three-point attempts to lead the South Americans to a historic 79-78 victory over Canada.
Venezuela stepped on floor prepared to do whatever was necessary to qualify for the Olympic Games for the second time since 1992, but overcoming a Canada team filled with seven talented NBA players, at first glance, seemed improbable.
However, against the odds Nestor Garcia’s team, who played the tournament without their lone NBA player Greivis Vazquez and saw Gregory Echenique sit out due to a a plantar fasciitis injury, battled throughout.
Venezuela’s tenacity paid off, as they overshadowed Boston Celtics’ power forward Kelly Olynyk’s game-highs 34 points and 13 rebounds.
Olynyk said after the game: “Venezuela played well and we did not. It was very hard for the team. They scored important baskets in key moments and we had a hard time stopping that.”
Venezuela’s Jose Vargas added: “I’m very happy. This family that means Venezuela achieved this victory. From six o'clock I could not sleep I got the love of our people.”
As a result, Venezuela grabbed one of the two places on offer for the FIBA Americas finalists, joining Argentina who upset hosts Mexico 78-70.
Toronto Raptors forward Luis Scola sparked the Argentinians with a game-high 18 points, and as result he set a new record, surpassing former Brazil star Oscar Schmidt in the FIBA Americas scoring charts with 1292.
Argentina and Venezuela will battle for the Gold medal in Saturday’s Final while Mexico will take on Canada in the third-place game.