Venezuela shock Argentina to claim first FIBA Americas Championship crown

Venezuela shocked Argentina to win the FIBA Americas Championship crown ©FIBA

Venezuela stunned Argentina to claim a first ever International Basketball Association (FIBA) Americas Championship title with a 76-71 victory at Mexico City's Palacio de los Deportes.

The Venezuelans, who had only scraped into the semi-finals on the last day of second-round action, shocked Canada by a single-point yesterday and superbly continued that giant-killing form against the Athens 2004 Olympic champions.

The Argentinians had made the best start, with a three-pointer by Andres Nocioni putting them 11-0 ahead of their sluggish opponents.

The Venezuelans fought back, cutting the deficit to 20-13 before a six-point run at the beginning of the second-quarter changed the momentum of the match.

A pair of free-throws from David Cubillán gave the Venezuelan the first lead of the night, 30-28, as their strong defence stifled their opponent's attacks.

Argentina kept fighting and briefly took the lead 58-57 before a six-point run opened daylight.

A pair of free-throws from Dwight Lewis sealed the game and the win for the Venezuela, who wrote a new chapter in the country’s basketball history.

Canada overcame hosts Mexico to claim the bronze medal ©FIBA

"This is a success of God and these players that I enjoy," said victorious coach Nestor Garcia.

"There was inspiration, commitment, soul and a lot of things that are not just of basketball.

"It is very difficult to talk about something truly historic for an entire country, I have long been away from home and it was ultimately for this."

Both finalists will compete at next year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, while Canada, Mexico and fifth-placed Puerto Rico will play in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament, taking place in a yet-to-be-confirmed location,

This came after Canada stunned the home crowd with an 87-86 victory over the hosts - who have struggled the form in the latter stages of the tournament - in the bronze medal match.

Argentina did receive some consolation after Luis Scola was named Tissot Most Valuable Player (MVP) after averaging 21.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.

He was joined in an All-Star Five by team-mate Andres Nocioni, Venezuela's Heissler Guillent, Canada's Andrew Wiggins and Mexico's Gustavo Ayon.