Argentina, Puerto Rico in semifinals

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MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina -- Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil and the Dominican Republic all secured berths in the semifinals of the Olympic basketball qualifying tournament for the Americas on Tuesday.

Puerto Rico defeated Canada 79-74, Argentina overpowered Venezuela 111-93, Brazil beat Panama 90-65 and the Dominican Republic defeated Uruguay 84-76.

The winners of Saturday's semifinals qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. The third- through fifth-place finishers get to participate in a tournament for the final berths in London.

The United States had already qualified for London by winning the 2010 world championships.

The championship game is Sunday.

Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs scored 26 points for Argentina, the only undefeated team left in the field. Argentina (5-0) was 18 of 28 from 3-point range against Venezuela (1-4).

Carlos Arroyo of the Boston Celtics scored 26 points to lead Puerto Rico (4-1) over Canada (1-4).

"In the two remaining (second-round) games, we are not going to sit back," Puerto Rico coach Flor Melendez said. "My attitude and that of my players is to win."

Guilherme had 17 points to lead Brazil (4-1), while Cesar Lima added 12 against Panama (0-5).

"The result made it look like an easy game, but there are no easy rivals," Brazil coach Ruben Magnano said.

Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks led the Dominican Republic (4-1) with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

The Dominican team, coached by Kentucky's John Calipari, hung the jersey of Edgar Sosa near the bench during the game against Uruguay (1-4). Sosa, who played at Louisville, broke his right leg Monday in a victory over Panama. Sosa is expected to be out for at least six months.

The second round continues with games Wednesday and Thursday.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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