Latin America Giving us Lots to Cheer for in FIBA World Games!

By Sharmaine Jones

FIBA Basketball preliminary rounds are still underway and with three Latin American teams in the competition (Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico) we have lots to cheer for!

photo via ESPN

Argentina (playing in Group A) is one of the strongest teams in the competition. Aside from USA, Argentina is the only other team to win three straight games thus far. At this point, they're leading their group and if last night's (Monday) 21 point romp over Angola is any indication of how Argentina will continue to play throughout the tournament, well, we'll see you in the finals!

NBA superstar and fellow Argentinian Manu Ginobili couldn't get enough of the action. He watched Brazil and Argentina play simultaneously, and posted about it on his Twitter.

"Acá me instalé, c BRA-USA en TV y ANG-ARG en la compu ~ ANG-ARG on the PC & BRA-USA on TV. "

He followed the games very closely tweeting numerous updates.

“ARG 45 ANG 32 & BRA 46 USA 43 @ Halftime. Parece q el 2do va a ser más interesante. Veremos como sigue todo.”

Ginobili was also kind enough to advise us of Argentina's 16-0 run that undoubtedly sealed the win:

“Parcial de 16 a 0 para Argentina. Ya lo tiene liquidado."

Argentina's next game is tomorrow (September 1) against the so far win-less Jordan team.

Get more details on the FIBA World Games after the jump!

Brazil (playing in Group B) was handed their first lost last night against team USA. The victory wasn't an easy one as it was close from beginning to end and in true dramatic form, came down to the last shot. Leandro Barbosa's shot that would have tied the game at 70 points apiece, bounced from the back of the rim, to the front, then out at the buzzer.

''I thought it was going to go in, but it's OK,'' Barbosa said. ''I think we did a great job, it was a great game. I don't think the USA knew that we could cause problems for them and we did it.''

Team USA knew they caught a huge break.

''This game right here was an eye opener,'' U.S. guard Derrick Rose said.

Brazil is currently in second place in their group and will play third placed Slovenia tomorrow (September 1).  This is a huge game for Brazil because a win would allow for some breathing room and take the pressure off to win the next game.

Unfortunately Puerto Rico (playing in Group C) isn't doing as well as we would hope. During the exhibition games, Puerto Rico looked sharp and came ready to play. They were pumped up for the start of the preliminary games. Star guard Carlos Arroyo posted on his Twitter:

“Wazz up family!! Opening against Russia tomorrow night at the World Basketball Tournament in Turkey... been waiting a long time for this!! “

He was proud to represent his home:

“What a privilege we have to do what we do!! Taking nothing for granted and always UNited with a purpose!! *PR* “

And then the games began. Puerto Rico lost not only the first game to Russia, but they also lost Arroyo, their team leader to an injury.

During adversity, a new leader emerged. Jose Juan (JJ) Barea scored 25 points in the (66-75) loss to Russia and 20 points in second game (80-83) lost against Greece.  Although it wasn't enough to secure a win, Barea managed to brighten up the otherwise depressing position Puerto Rico find themselves in.

Puerto Rico is currently in fifth place in their group but their next game (August 31) is against China – the team they easily beat 92-76 in exhibition.  Puerto Rico needs to win their next three games to advance but a victory today can provide the much needed momentum to carry them up in the ranks and into the next round!

We're cheering for all you guys!

Do you think Brazil, Puerto Rico, or Argentina can take it all the way?  Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Argentina, Brazil, Carlos Arroyo, China, Derrick Rose, FIBA World Games, J.J. Barea, Leandro Barbosa, Manu Ginobili, Puerto Rico, USA