SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Puerto Rico became the second team to secure a spot in the Quarterfinals of the FIBA Americas Championship after beating Uruguay 71-54 to close day three at
Coliseo Roberto Clemente.

An efficient game from center Peter John Ramos along with Carlos Arroyo along with a good defense over the Uruguayan shooters gave him another important win in Group A. They will finish the first round on Sunday when they play Canada who is also undefeated but with two wins.

Uruguay had a quick start led by Esteban Batista and Aguiar, but the Puerto Ricans responded with a 10-2 run to finish the first quarter tied at 14. Aguiar led Uruguay with 5 points while Ramos had the same number for the hosts.

In the second quarter Puerto Rico had a more aggresive offensive attack but couldn't go away as Uruguay was led by Batista who netted 13 points at that part of the game. Ramos had 9 points for Puerto Rico.

The three pointers started sinking for Puerto Rico, especially for Ricky Sanchez and Larry Ayuso. That combined with an aggresive showing by Ramos on the paint catapulted Puerto Rico to a 53-39 lead.

Puerto Rico placed the final touches on the win, putting it out of range when Carlos Arroyo made a three pointer with 6:36 left to put the score 60-41. The poor performance by their shooters as well as the clock were the worst enemy for Uruguay.

Carlos Arroyo led Puerto Rico with 18 points while Peter John Ramos finished with 15 points and 12 boards. Larry Ayuso and Ricky Sanchez netted 8 each.

Uruguay was led by Esteban Batista with 19 points and Mauricio Aguiar had 8 points (3-12 fg). Leandro Garcia Morales finished with just 5 points by shooting 1-11 from the field.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

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