Luis Scola led Argentina into the FIBA Americas Championship decider as Canada suffered a heartbreaking loss to Venezuela.

Captain Scola, who has impressed throughout the tournament, had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds in a 78-70 Argentina win over Mexico.

Andres Nocioni (10 points and 13 rebounds) also impressed for the two-time champions, who outscored hosts Mexico 16-8 in the fourth quarter.

Jorge Gutierrez top-scored for defending champions Mexico with 17.

With the finalists qualifying for the Rio Olympics, Canada were stunned earlier in the day in a 79-78 loss to Venezuela.

A harsh foul call with 0.3 seconds remaining allowed Jose Vargas, the Venezuela captain, to hit the game-winning free-throw.

Vargas deliberately missed the second as Canada ran out of time.

Windi Graterol had 20 points for Venezuela, while Boston Celtic Kelly Olynyk was crucial with 34 points and 13 rebounds for Canada.