NEIVA (2010 South American Championship) - Argentina defeated Colombia 70-63 to finish in first place of Group B and qualify to the 2010 South American Championship semifinals.

Colombia started the game with a more efficient attack while Argentina could not get close. At the end of the first quarter Colombia dominated 15-13 and 9 points from Leo Mainoldi, all of them from three point range, kept Argentina close.

The dominance inside by Román González and Juan Gutiérrez was very important to hold the Colombian attack and Argentina dominated the first half 32-26.

The Argentineans controlled the second half, having a 15 point lead (55-40) and despite relaxing, Colombia could not make a run at them and looked tired at the end.

Leo Mainoldi finished with 17 points and Juan Gutierrez 12 for Argentina.

In the loss Stalin Ortiz had 23 points and Edgar Moreno 17.

Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Venezuela qualified for the 2011 FIBA-Americas Championship. The top three teams qualify for the 2011 Pan-American Games.

Friday, July 30:

Consolation Round:

15:00   Ecuador vs. Paraguay  
17:00   Colombia vs. Chile  

Semifinal:

19:00   Uruguay vs. Argentina  
21:00   Brazil vs. Venezuela

FIBA-Americas