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LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - Mexico and Puerto Rico had a tough act to follow, considering Uruguay and Panama thrilled the crowd at Thomas & Mack Center with an overtime battle to get things started at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship.

Both teams were up to the task of continuing the showmanship, and after a hot-shooting first quarter, the score was tied at 29-29.

Mexico's hot shooting continued throughout the first half (54 percent from the field), and behind 22 points from Victor Mariscal, they opened up a 57-45 lead by the break.

Puerto Rico rallied in the third quarter and even took a lead during the fourth, but Mexico would not be denied.

When Horacio Llamas connected on a three-pointer with just over one minute to play, Mexico had stretched its lead back to double-digits at 98-86 and chants of "Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!" cascaded throughout the arena.

Llamas would finish with 18 points while Mariscal logged a game high 30 as Mexico triumphed 100-89.

Notes: Puerto Rico's Carlos Arroyo scored all four of his points at the foul line, finishing the game 0-for-10 from the field.

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