Virgin Islands claimed a shock win over Canada today to make the perfect start to their Group B campaign at the FIBA AmeriCup ©FIBA

Virgin Islands claimed a shock win over Canada today to make the perfect start to their Group B campaign at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) AmeriCup.

The Caribbean squad triumphed 83-71 at the Estadio Osvaldo Casanova in Bahía Blanca.

Walter Hodge led the way for Virgin Islands, amassing 25 points and eight assists in his FIBA AmeriCup debut.

The only player to score for Canada in double figures was Olivier Hanlan with 10 points.

Group B hosts Argentina joined Virgin Islands in winning their first match by beating defending champions Venezuela 67-62 in a reverse of the 2015 final. 

Lucio Redivo and Facundo Campazzo got into the rhythm of the game in the fourth quarter and won it for the home nation.

Team-mate Gabriel Deck and Venezuela’s John Cox were the leading scorers of the match with 16 points each.

Group A action concluded today at the Coliseo Iván de Bedout in Medellín with Mexico making it three wins out of three thanks to an 82-70 victory over hosts Colombia.

Jorge Gutiérrez scored 25 points with five rebounds and five assists in the win.

Mexico had already booked their place in the semi-finals, which are scheduled to take place on Saturday (September 2), prior to today’s match.

The other game in Group A saw Puerto Rico put on an impressive performance to beat Brazil 89-80.

Ángel Rodríguez was Puerto Rico’s stand-out performer, scoring 23 points, four rebounds and five steals in the triumph. 

Puerto Rico ended group play with a 2-1 win-loss record, falling short of qualifying for the semi-finals after their narrow opening day loss to Mexico.

Action is due to continue tomorrow with Argentina facing Canada and Venezuela going up against Virgin Islands in Group B.

Group C is also due to begin in Montevideo as hosts Uruguay meet the Dominican Republic and the United States do battle with Panama. 

The three group winners advance to the semi-finals, with Argentina also guaranteed a place in the last four regardless of their performance due to their status as "main organiser".

It means two countries are set to qualify from Group B with the runners-up going through if Argentina finish top.

Argentina will host both the semi-finals and final at the Orfeo Superdomo in Córdoba.