CARACAS, Venezuela, CMC- Jamaica edged out Brazil by two points to advance to the second round of the FIBA Americas Championship here Tuesday night.’
Samardo Samuels led the JamRockerz with their first victory of the tournament scoring 21 points at the Poliedro de Caracas.
The Jamaicans were facing elimination after three consecutive defeats including a six point loss to Puerto Rico on Monday.
Jamaica joined favourites Puerto Rico, Canada and Uruguay as the teams to advance from Group A while winless Brazilt, usually a powerhouse at this level, was sent packing.
Teams to advance from Group B were Mexico, Argentina, Dominican Republic and hosts Venezuela while Paraguay were eliminated from that group.
The second round begins today.
The four semi-finalists will qualify for the basketball World Cup to be held next year in Spain.