Puerto Rico and team USA made sure we will be witnessing two great grudge matches in the semis of the FIBA Americas Cup. Puerto Rico beat Canada in what became an elimination game for the last remaining spot in the semis. Uruguay could have had a say, but their loss to Brazil meant the winner of the penultimate game on Thursday would live to fight another day.

Canada's valiant effort was not enough against Carlos Arroyo (22 points) and his team. The 72-66 victory was mostly a result of the poor outside shooting Canada produced. Shooting six of 23 from behind the arc just won't cut it at this level. No blame should be placed on Samuel Dalambert's shoulders. The NBA center finished with a highly impressive 18 rebounds, and his presence was a big reason why Puerto Rico never pulled away by too much despite the woeful shots the Canadians were taking.

Meanwhile, the USA showed what a difference one player makes. Especially if that player is Kobe Bryant. Kobe scorched the then-unbeaten Argentina for 27 points as the US never allowed Argentina into the game. Of course, Jason Kidd also showed us how effective a point guard can be even if he does not score. Kidd finished with no points (only one shot attempt) but had seven assists and was a true leader on the floor for the playing time he got.

'Concurrently, Argentina and Brazil have developed a South-American rivalry that has become just as big as their rivalry in soccer. Both are missing key NBA players for this tournament, but their place in the semis was never really in doubt'

These results have set up the match-ups of the semis: the USA will face Puerto Rico and Brazil will go up against Argentina. Both games will be intriguing as Puerto Rico is the last team to have beaten the NBA's select in an international game. Carlos Arroyo has a knack for coming up with big games when need be and he is notorious for having his best international outings against team USA. A loss for Bryant and Co. could be the biggest shocker, as it would mean they have to play another qualifying tournament prior to the Olympics just to make it to the games in Peking.

Concurrently, Argentina and Brazil have developed a South-American rivalry that has become just as big as their rivalry in soccer. Both are missing key NBA players for this tournament, but their place in the semis was never really in doubt. The tournament's best player so far has been Luis Scola, hands down. He has been consistent and he has led his team without most of his buddies around who made up the golden squad that is now feared around the world. Whilst the US is the overwhelming favorite amongst these four, this is not going to be a cakewalk. Puerto Rico have always put up a fight against the US and whoever comes out of the Brazil-Argentina showdown will have some newly added confidence.

With this short preview I am now off to Las Vegas to report to you the events of the final two days of the tournament. Tune in to Sportingo as I hope to be writing about every event of interest.