The 'Vinotinto' used an outstanding first half to secure the victory (37-56), and the Albiceleste gave Mexico no chance (108-73). Coach Fernando Duró's will face his home country on Saturday at 20:00 local time. In the battle for the bronze medal, Mexico will take on Brazil at 17:00. 

Brazil were the best team in the group stage with three wins and a +74 point difference, but on Friday, they were completely overwhelmed by the energy and drive of a Venezuelan team that dazzled in the first half.

Second in its group, the 'Vinotinto' showed its potential in the first quarter as raced out to an early 0-8 lead and led 15-25 after 10 minutes thanks to an impressive 6/8 from the three-point range. The Brazilians struggled, and the second quarter was no different, as Venezuela maintained their accuracy (4/8) at the start of the exhibition of Yohanner Sifontes, the Leones de Potosí (Bolivia) shooter.

The former Independiente de Oliva man scored 22 points, shooting 3/5 from two-points range, a 4/8 from three-points, and 4/6 from the free throw line, to go with six rebounds and seven fouls received. His contribution was crucial in keeping the Brazilians at bay, led by Guilherme Pereira of Flamengo with 22 points, at bay as they cut the difrerence to just four points (75-79) with 71 seconds remaining.

But Sifontes didn't miss two crucial free throws to seal the semi-final. The final score was 77-84, and Venezuela secured its first ever men's basketball medal at the Panam Games.

The other semifinal had less suspense due to Argentina's superiority. Despite not having the stars of previous title-winning campaign, such as Real Madrid's Facundo Campazzo and Gabriel Deck, the legendary Luis Scola (retired), or Barcelona's Nico Laprovittola, the Argentinians relied on teamwork. On Saturday, 11 out of their 12 registered players scored at least eight points, with Franco Baralle (Minas Tenis Clube, Brazil) leading the way with 13 points.

Chile also made an impressive return to the Panam Games after 72 years with their third win ever and second in a row, securing fifth place with an upset victory over the Dominican Republic (75-83). Nicolás Carvacho (MKS Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland) was outstanding with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Puerto Rico finished seventh after dominating Panama (49-89), led by Adrian Ocasio's (Gigantes de Carolina) with 25 points and seven rebounds.