Venezuela booked their spot in the semi-finals by beating Panama ©Getty Images

Venezuela claimed the last place in the semi-finals on offer at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Americas Championship as the second round group phase came to an end in Mexico City.

With Canada, Argentina and Mexico already assured of a spot in the last four going into the final round of matches, the remaining spot was up for grabs with Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Panama, Puerto Rico and Uruguay all in with a shout. 

Dominican Republic began the day in pole position in fourth, but they were beaten 120-103 by the Canadians to leave the door wide open.

Venezuela were next in line and they made no mistake as they saw off Panama 75-62 to end their opponents' hopes and climb into the all-important top four themselves.

Puerto Rico's win over Uruguay books them a spot in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament
Puerto Rico's win over Uruguay books them a spot in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament ©Getty Images

Puerto Rico did record a victory as well as they saw off Uruguay 80-69, and although they ended the slim hopes of the Uruguayans they required both Dominican Republic and Venezuela to slip up, or a points difference swing, to advance.

The Caribbean side do have the consolation of gaining a spot at next year's Olympic Qualifying Tournament though as their win saw them clinch fifth spot, with Dominican Republic tumbling down to sixth and missing out entirely. 

In the remaining game, hosts Mexico ended Argentina's 100 per cent record in the tournament with a 95-83 win at the Palacio de los Deportes.

That result saw Canada top the group ahead of Argentina and Mexico, with all three countries recording a record of six wins and one defeat.

The tournament takes a break tomorrow but will return for the semi-finals on Saturday when Rio 2016 qualification will be secured by the two sides which progress.

Canada will meet Venezuela while Argentina and hosts Mexico will collide again in a re-match of the final group game.




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