It was a landmark day for Venezuela, who capped a remarkable FIBA Americas Championship campaign with a 76-71 win over Argentina in the gold-medal game.

Venezuela stunned tournament favourites Canada at the semi-final stage on Friday to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio next year, and the South Americans backed up that victory as they saw off Argentina in Mexico City 24 hours later.

Point guard Heissler Guillent starred with 15 points off the bench for Venezuela, who claimed their maiden FIBA Americas title having won silver in 1992 and bronze in 2005.

Team-mate John Cox posted 14 points, while Windi Graterol added 11 of his own.

Former Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings and Philadelphia 76ers forward Andres Nocioni's game-high 21 points was not enough to lead Argentina past the Venezuelans, who outscored their opponents 27-19 in the final quarter.

Argentina captain and Toronto Raptors recruit Luis Scola had a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Canada took home the bronze medal after Cory Joseph's buzzer-beater downed hosts Mexico 87-86 earlier on Saturday.