After defeating the Dominican Republic in day two of the Jenaro “Tuto” Marchand Cup, San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter and Brazil won the Gold Medal on day three of the Marchand Cup as they defeated Puerto Rico 89-79. San Antonio Spurs’ Cory Joseph and Canada lost again 64-62 in a close game to the Dominican Republic.
While Splitter only scored four points in Thursday’s win over the Dominican Republic, on Friday he led Brazil with 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and even one block in 21 minutes of action.
At the end of the first quarter, Brazil led 27 to 18. The game got closer as Puerto Rico made a comeback in the second quarter to send the two teams tied into halftime, 43-43.
In the third quarter Splitter got in some foul trouble but held his ground on the possessions when he was on the floor. In one play, he blocked Puerto Rico’s dominant big man Daniel Santiago (17 points, eight rebounds), then Santiago gave Splitter an elbow to the back of the head. With no foul being called, Splitter fouled Santiago very hard as players had to calm Santiago down from losing his emotions. Splitter just lined up at the free throw line.
This was a great feat to see from Splitter because it shows his Brazilian teammates that he’s their leader and enforcer. It’s also good for Spurs fans because it shows how tough Splitter can really raise his level when the moment arrives.
By the end of the third quarter, Brazil led 65 to 57. Brazil’s Marcelo Machado would take over in the fourth quarter as Brazil went on to claim the Gold Medal in the Marchand Cup.
Cory Joseph and Canada had a different story as they barely lost to the Dominican Republic. Joseph finished with three points, three rebounds, two assists, on 1-of-6 shooting in 23 minutes of action for the Canadians.
The Marchand Cup marks the final exhibition games for both Brazil and Canada as they will now head down to Mar del Plata, Argentina for the 2011 FIBA Americas pre-Olympic qualifier where another famous San Antonio Spur may eventually face them, Manu Ginobili.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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