Basketball: Puerto Rico lift 2013 Tuto Marchand Cup

Jose Juan Barea (File Photo)

Puerto Rico defeated Argentina, 89-81 to lift the 2013 Tuto Cup (Marchand Continental Cup) for the first time. Puerto Rico took the first quarter 19 – 12 and were leading 39 – 38 going into the half-time break. Puerto Rico took a huge lead in the third quarter and the score was Puerto Rico 65-57 Argentina, at the end of the third quarter.

Argentina reduced the Puerto Rico’s advantage to 8 in the last quarter, but the Puerto Ricans took the victory, 89-81, and were crowned Champions of the Jenaro “Tuto” Marchand Cup.

Jose Juan Barea top scored with 21 points for the Puerto Ricans, while Argentina’s top scorer was Paul Espinoza with 19 points. Carlos Arroyo (Argentina) and Jose Juan Barea (Puerto Rico) were selected as the Most Valuable Players of the tournament.

The 2013 edition of the Tuto Cup was hosted by Puerto Rico. The competition has taken place four times so far (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013), just before the FIBA Americas Championship. Senior men’s national teams from Puerto Rico, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic and Argentina have competed at the tournament. Brazil have won the tournament three times (2007, 2009, 2011, with Puerto Rico winning the 2013 edition.

The Tuto Marchand Continental Championship Cup is considered as the warm up tournament for the FIBA Americas senior men’s basketball championship. The tournament is hosted by Puerto Rico just before the FIBA Americas Championship for men.

Five countries (Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Canada) took part in the 2013 edition of the Tuto Cup.

Final standing of the 2013 Tuto Marchand Cup

1. Puerto Rico (host) 4 – 0
2. Argentina 3 – 1
3. Brazil 2 – 2
4. Dominican Republic 1 – 3
5. Canada 0 – 4