FIBA Americas 2013 Schedule: Updated Bracket, Dates and Times for 2nd Round

The opening round of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship finally concluded, with Puerto Rico, Canada, Uruguay and Jamaica advancing from Group A and Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic moving on out of Group B.

After four games each, only winless Paraguay and Brazil were sent home. The second round is when the tournament heats up, as each nation prepares for another four games in four days that will determine which participants earn the four spots in the semifinals.

So far, undefeated Puerto Rico looks to be a lock to advance into the semifinals, although Canada has been quite impressive and has only dropped one game. Argentina and Mexico also went 3-1 during group play and should not be discounted.

With spots in the 2014 FIBA World Cup at stake, you can expect the players on each team to step up and deliver as the tourney gets tougher.

Let’s take a look at which teams remain, a complete schedule for the second round of the FIBA Americas and more.

Round 2 Info

When: Sept. 5 through Sept. 8

Watch: ESPN3 (Live Stream)

Where: Poliedro de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela

Team to Watch: Canada

Canada has the same number of points scored and has fewer points against as undefeated Puerto Rico, but still managed to suffer one loss against the top team in a lopsided 83-67 matchup.

The Canadians will need to avoid ugly fourth quarters like the one that completely cost them the game at Puerto Rico, as they were outscored 24-9 in the final period.

A team that boasts NBA stars Tristan Thompson, Andrew Nicholson, Cory Joseph and Joel Anthony should not be losing in blowout fashion during a tournament like this. They need to work better together to improve the defense.

In terms of raw skill, Canada has the most upside and could roll through to a victory if the players can get on the same page.

Player to Watch: Renaldo Balkman, Puerto Rico

Balkman has been lighting up the scoreboard and now stands as the tournament’s remaining top scorer.

The former first-round draft pick of the New York Knicks has scored 80 points over the first four games for a cool average of 20.0 points per game while shooting 76.3 percent from the field.

Balkman has also been cleaning the glass with intensity, nabbing nine rebounds a game and willing Puerto Rico to victory.

The 6’8” forward certainly has the skills to be a star at this level, as Balkman shined off the bench during his six-year NBA career.

If he continues to play like this, the 29-year-old will undoubtedly end up as the MVP of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championships and have his country in the finals.