Caracas (Venezuela), Sep 5 (IANS/CMC): Jamaica edged out Brazil by two points to advance to the second round of the FIBA Americas basketball championship here.
Samardo Samuels led Jamaica to their first victory of the tournament scoring 21 points at the Poliedro de Caracas Wednesday, reports CMC.
The Jamaicans were facing elimination after three consecutive defeats including a six point loss to Puerto Rico Monday.
Jamaica joined favourites Puerto Rico, Canada and Uruguay as the teams to advance from Group A while winless Brazil, usually a powerhouse at this level, were sent packing.
Teams to advance from Group B were Mexico, Argentina, Dominican Republic and hosts Venezuela while Paraguay were eliminated from that group.
The second round begins Thursday.
The four semi-finalists will qualify for the basketball World Cup to be held next year in Spain.