Bronze Medal Game: Puerto Rico 111, Brazil 107

September 2, 2007 � Las Vegas, Nevada

Hot-shooting guards Elias Ayuso and Carlos Arroyo combined for 69 points to spark Puerto Rico to a thrilling 111-107 victory over short-handed Brazil in the bronze medal game of the FIBA Americas Championship on Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Ayuso finished the game with 39 points and nailed 8-of-12 3-pointers, as the Puerto Ricans connected on 15-of-28 overall. Brazil's Marcelo Magalhaes hit six of Brazil's 13 triples and finished with a team-high 21 points.

After falling behind by as many as 22 points in the first half, Brazil, playing without injured center Nene, outscored Puerto Rico 38-30 in the fourth quarter to get to within one point with only seconds to go.

For Puerto Rico Arroyo added a game-high 10 assists while Luis Reyes chipped in 15 points and 15 rebounds. Tiago Splitter tallied 19 points and 13 rebounds for Brazil.

LEONEL FERNANDEZ, HEAD COACH PUERTO RICO
During the first part of the tournament, there were some negative things happening to the team. Can you talk about the change from negative to positive?
We wouldn't have gotten to this point in the competition if our mood hadn't changed from negative to positive. We came here to win and for nothing else. We came here with three practices under our belts and then had two sessions here and we came with some players that were had just finished their own tournaments. That was our beginning. We didn't have a lot of time to get our rhythm together. It was very important the first time that our team had been together since the Pan American Games. We just had a few days and three practices to get the team ready and as a result, we didn't begin very well. We were all over the place. It wasn't because of behavior or any issues between the players. In the first round we were hurt by this lack of time. We needed to start to work together because it was obvious that we weren't synchronized. But we came out well winning three out of four games. We found our rhythm and started winning. We think we played one our best games together against the U.S.

What did you think of the first part of the game? When they got within two points, did your team begin to panic at all?
No. What really helped us come through were the three point shots that we made. We made them all. There was no panic even when the [Brazil] began to hit their three pointers as well.

When you left Puerto Rico, everyone said you guys wouldn't go very far in this tournament but now you are coming back with the bronze medal. How are you feeling?
I feel great. We have to support all of these young players that are coming up and help them become better players. Don't forget that they are picking up the slack of the old team now that we have Arroyo and some really good young kids. I feel proud of them. With only seven team practices we were able to come back. We played 11 games so you realize how strong a team this really is.

What is the lesson that you have learned from this tournament?
All the teams here are growing and some have been working together longer than others. To be on the same level as all of the rest of these teams, we need time and we need the support of the local federation to get this time.

ELIAS AYUSO, PUERTO RICO
You had eight three pointers. Can you talk about the zone you were in today?
I came out pretty well. I was able to hit my first three and I just tried to carry that over. Tried to keep that motivation. It's a lot of confidence. I struggled in the beginning but I'm a shooter and I kept shooting and shooting and trying to make shots.

Are you going to keep playing with the team through the Olympics?
Yes, I am going to keep playing with Puerto Rico and working hard. My time is almost coming to an end but if I still have the chance to play with Puerto Rico and help them qualify for the Olympics, I will work hard and be there. When I'm representing these colors, I play with my heart and if I can keep playing with this team I will.

ALUSIO FERREIRA, BRAZIL HEAD COACH
What is your balance about this fast-paced tournament?
I think the Pre-Olympics tournament is very challenging because of this fast paced system they have. We have ten games in twelve days, and every game is decisive. I believe that in order to play competitive in this tournament you should have an exemplary physical preparation. I think the overall competition was at its highest level. I just leave frustrated as we did not have the qualifications to go straight to the Olympic Games. Our team worked hard for that; and practically, our team's dream finished in one single game.

Our goal today was of course to win, but you have to take in consideration that the situations for Brazil and Puerto Rico were completely different. Brazil came into this tournament to compete for one of the two straight spots for the Olympic Games while Puerto Rico started not at their best, but reacted once they qualified for the second round. Puerto Rico grew as the tournament progressed. I actually think that the Brazilian players are heroes for playing so well today after such a big letdown yesterday and the physical exhaustion they endured throughout this tournament.

How will Brazil prepare for the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament next year?
Well, the first step is to make an evaluation of the direction the National Basketball Confederation wants the team to take.

Will you continue to lead this national team?
I think that this decision should not be taken now as I have to make a personal assessment and the Confederation needs also to figure out the direction to take this team from now on. It is obvious that we are extremely disappointed by this loss and for not being able to go straight to the Olympic Games. So I think this decision should take at least a few days to truly reflect the possibilities. I think that first and foremost, this decision should reflect the best bet for the future of Brazilian basketball and not take into account any personal pride or opinion one might have.

ALEX RIBEIRO GARCIA, BRAZIL
What are your thoughts about today's game?
Today was a game that we got confident as the game progressed. Once we had the confidence to win the game, we tried to come back; unfortunately, it happened to be a little too late. It is hard to say anything more than that. We all know what happened. All we can do now is to improve on the mistakes we did here.

Are the rumors about the conflicts within the Brazilian team true?
No. I don't think any of us have problems with one another. I think we all have to speak for ourselves, and personally, I did not witness any conflict within our group. The only thing I can think is that after our game with Puerto Rico, we changed our attitudes to be a stronger team not only in court but also outside the court. I think we should respect others' opinions, so if one of our players thinks that there were conflicts; it is his opinion to have. I cannot speak for others; I can only talk about my opinions. I think we have a good group. There were no conflicts between players against players as the rumor goes. We are all very good friends.

TIAGO SPLITTER BEIMS, BRAZIL
What are your thoughts about this loss?
I am the kind of player who does not dwell in the past. I do not beat myself for the mistakes I did or the things I should have done. I think our biggest game was the game against Argentina last night, and we lost. Somebody has to lose, and unfortunately it was our time. Now we just have to look forward and get ready for the next challenge.