Friday, october 27nd, 2023.- The Venezuelan basketball team secured their first victory in the 2023 Pan American Games by narrowly defeating Mexico with a score of 71-65 in a Group B match held at Polideportivo 1 del Estadio Nacional.

Both teams entered the group phase without any prior wins: while the Venezuelan team had previously succumbed to Colombia (73-57) and Brazil (94-47), the North American team had faced similar defeats at the hands of Brazil (72-54) and Colombia (66-54).

The intense contest began with South American dominance in the first quarter, thanks to a solid 24-15 lead. However, the Mexican team responded in the following period with a 16-8 advantage. While Mexico maintained their lead in the third quarter with a 17-14 score, Venezuela made a comeback in the final quarter with a 25-17 performance, ultimately securing the victory.


As a result, Venezuela claimed the third position in Group B and relegated Mexico to the last place. Brazil, thanks to their morning victory over Colombia with a score of 78-57, finished as the group leader, with the Colombian team as their runner-up.

Later today, the remaining matches of Group A will be held: at 5:30 p.m., Puerto Rico will face Argentina, and at 8:00 p.m., Cuba will compete against Chile. These matches will further determine the semifinalists, with Brazil and Colombia already qualified, as well as the matchups for the 7th-8th and 5th-6th place.

Written by Catalina Gamboa; translated by Andrés Castro / Photosport
Photo: Alejandro Pagni/Santiago 2023 / Photosport