Luis Scola led Argentina to a 91-86 win over Puerto Rico as the FIBA Americas Championship started on Monday.
Argentina, Mexico make winning starts
Argentina and hosts Mexico enjoyed opening victories at the FIBA Americas Championship.
Scola's double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds guided his nation to the tough five-point win in Mexico City.
Andres Nocioni (14 points and 12 rebounds) and Patricio Garino (19 points) were also instrumental in the Group B win for two-time champions Argentina.
Dallas Mavericks guard JJ Barea starred for Puerto Rico with 20 points and 10 assists, but they were outscored in the final three quarters after opening with a 30-24 lead.
Also in Group B, Venezuela enjoyed a 73-52 victory over Cuba.
Marquinhos dominated with 21 points and nine rebounds for Brazil, who went down to Uruguay 71-57 in Group A, while hosts and defending champions Mexico had no trouble getting past the Dominican Republic 84-66.
