Mexico center and reigning FIBA Americas MVP Gustavo Ayón. (Photo : Reuters)
FIBA Americas defending champions Mexico will square off against struggling team Brazil on Wednesday at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City. It will be a Group A preliminary round match and the fourth and final scheduled game of the day.
Mexico crushed the Dominican Republic in their opening game, 84-66, behind the hot shooting of resident two-guard Orlando Mendez, who top scored for Sergio Valdeolmillos' men with 24 points, via the tournament's official website. Mendez added four assists and three rebounds to lead a balanced attack for the Mexicans.
FIBA Americas 2013 MVP Gustavo Ayon also played big for Mexico with a double-double of 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
Other Mexico stalwarts in double-figure scoring are fellow starters Hector Hernandez, Juan Toscano, and Jorge Gutierrez with 12, 11, and 11 respectively.
Meanwhile, Brazil dropped a huge 71-57 loss to unheralded Uruguay in their opener on Monday. Small forward Marquinhos was the lone shimmer of light for Ruben Magnano's team with 21 points and nine rebounds while the rest were held to single digits throughout the game, as per FIBA Live Stats.
The Mexicans are a stronger defensive team than the Dominicans and Brazil will have a hard time getting baskets against the twin towers of Ayon and Hernandez. Mendez and Toscano will continue to pile up points from the outside as their custom.
Brazilian counterparts Augusto Lima and J.P. Batista should make their presence felt inside while Vitor Benite must limit the production of the sweet-shooting Mendez if they want to have a chance in this game.
Prediction: Mexico wins, 78-50
Mexico starting five: Gustavo Ayon (C), Hector Hernandez (PF), Juan Toscano (SF), Orlando Mendez (SG), Jorge Gutierrez (PG)
Brazil starting five: Augusto Lima (C), J.P. Batista (PF), Marquinhos (SF), Vitor Benite (SG), Rafael Luz (PG)
