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Undefeated Brazil claims Tuto Marchand Cup

Canada vs. Brazil Box Score

San Juan, Puerto Rico - The Brazilian National Team went undefeated in the three-day, four team Tuto Marchand Cup tournament putting down Canada 87-69 in their final game on Thursday night. Carl English led Canada with 22 points while Joel Anthony added 15.

Brazil dominated the field, winning each of their three games by an average of 14.3 points a game over Argentina, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

The Brazilians were led by their four star players Leandro Barbosa, Tiago Splitter, Anderson Varejão, and Marcelo Machado.

Barbosa was Brazil’s top scorer in the three games, averaging 19.6 points. Frontcourt players Splitter (14 points and 7.3 rebounds) and Varejão (14.6 points and 8 rebounds) held down the middle.

Marcelinho played his normal all-around game, adding 11 points, 5.3 assists, and 6 rebounds per game.

“We are playing our basketball with joy and determination, regardless of the opponents,” Barbosa said. “Our goal is to reach the FIBA World Championship and we realize what we need to do.”

The Tuto Marchand Cup serves as preparaton for the upcoming FIBA Americas Championship in Puerto Rico set to tip off August 26.

“The team is evolving every day, every practice and every game.” Barbosa continued.

“We will arrive at the FIBA Americas Championship at an ideal point to run the competition and achieve our goals.” said Marcelinho.

In the win over Canada, Barbosa led the way for Brazil with 27 points while Tiago Splitter contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and Marcelo Machado added 12 points 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

Brazil is in the very competitive group B in the FIBA Americas Championship, matched up with Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Venezuela.