NEIVA (2010 South American Championship) - Colombia got their most important win in the last 40 years as they defeated Venezuela 84-83 in overtime at the South American Championship played in Neiva.

The Colombians, who played in front of their fans, lost in the first quarter 29-19 but recovered in the second quarter and were down at halftime 41-38.

Then in the third quarter both teams traded the lead, Colombia had Stalin Ortiz, Adison Mosquera and Enielsen Guevara and took ad 56-52 lead. The Venezuelans reacted and took a 62-56 lead and Colombia made a 6-0 run to tie it at the end.

Venezuela dominated most of the final quarter but the offense by Stalin Ortiz and Norbey Aragon had Colombia up 76-74, then a basket by Rafael Perez with a minute left tied the game at 76 and forced the game into overtime.

In overtime the Colombians started with an 8-2 run and Venezuela started to recover, but fell short when they missed the game-winning basket.

Stalin Ortiz netted 27 points and Enielsen Guevara 15 for Colombia.

In the loss Rafael Perez had 23 points and Luis Bethelmy 17.
 
FIBA-Americas