FIBA Americas Championship opened with a bang on Monday as fans were treated with another classic encounter between archrivals Argentina and Puerto Rico. On Day 2, all the attention will shift to Team Canada as they parade their star-studded lineup led by reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins.
Canada vs. Argentina at 2:30 p.m US EST (Box Scores/Stats)
Canada's young guns against Argentina's seasoned core group. This is the theme of the upcoming showdown between regional Superpowers scheduled at 2:30 p.m (US EST).
Canada is boasting a very deep roster with Wiggins (Minnesota Timberwolves), Anthony Bennett (Wolves), Andrew Nicholson (Orlando Magic), Nik Stauskas (Philadelphia 76ers), Cory Joseph (Toronto Raptors) and Kelly Olynyk (Boston Celtics) leading the charge.
On the other hand, Argentina will be leaning on the experience of veterans Luis Scola (Toronto Raptors) and Andres Nacioni (Real Madrid). Despite not having Manu Ginobili and a slew of former NBA veterans who used to play with them in international competition, Argentina remains a deadly team because of their up-and-coming players like Facundo Campazzo (Real Madrid) and 23-year old center Marcos Delia.
The two teams already faced each other at the 2015 Tutu Marchand Cup with Canada bagging the victory 85-80. Wiggin scored a team-high 18 points on 6-for-13 shooting to lead Team Canada, while Scola racked up 23 points and 8 rebounds in that contest. Although it won't have any bearing in the match, it nevertheless suggests that it would be another neck and neck battle for Group B leadership.
Day 2 Schedule & Box Score Stats:
Panama vs. Uruguay at 12:00 noon US EST (Box Scores/Stats) - Panama will kick off its campaign at FIBA Americas 2015, while Uruguay will be gunning for its second win after beating the short-handed Brazil 71-57.
Brazil vs. Dominican Republic at 6:00 p.m (Box Scores/Stats) - Brazil, sans Leandro Barbosa, Nene and Tiago Splitter, will try to salvage their first win against Dominican Republic, who also dropped their first assignment vs. Mexico.
Puerto Rico vs. Cuba at 8:30 p.m (Box Scores/Stats) - Both coming off a lost, Puerto Rico and Cuba will attempt to get back in the winning column and keep their campaign on a right track early in the tournament.
FIBA Americas Championship 2015 Day 2 matches can be watched online on ESPN Watch (US & North American audiences) and Sports Stream (International).