Venezuela stuns Argentina, wins gold medal in FIBA Americas finals

Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top.

Venezuela completed their second major upset in as many nights Saturday, defeating heavily favored Argentina in the gold medal game of the FIBA Americas tournament, 76-71.

This came on the heels of a shocking semifinal win over Canada on Friday, with a controversial late call benefiting Venezuela.

Never before had Venezuela won a FIBA Americas tournament, with its best finish previously coming in 1992 after winning a silver medal.

It wasn't an aesthetically pleasing brand of basketball, with both teams shooting below 42 percent from the field, 41 fouls being called, and 46 combined free-throw attempts. It played in the favor of the Venezuelans, though, who dictated the tempo of the game through physical defending, which brought Argentina out of their comfort zone.

Guard Heissler Guillent - who made key plays down the stretch - led Venezuela with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting off the bench, while starter Gregory Vargas chipped in nine points, seven boards, and four assists.

It was a rocky start for Venezuela, who trailed 13-2 in the opening moments of the first quarter, although they eventually clawed their way back to a 30-28 halftime lead.

Argentina's Andres Nocioni finished with a game-high 22 points and eight rebounds. Teammate Luis Scola, who was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. He turned the ball over five times, though, appearing fatigued late in the game as Venezuela's frontcourt amped up the pressure.

Nocioni and Scola were joined by Guillent, Canada's Andrew Wiggins, and Mexico's Gustavo Ayon as tournament All-Stars.

By advancing to the finals, Venezuela and Argentina had already qualified to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Canada, who defeated Mexico earlier in the evening to clinch the bronze medal, will have to emerge from a qualifying tournament weeks prior to the games to earn their spot.

Mexico (4th) and Puerto Rico (5th) will also participate in the qualifying tournament due to their respective placements at the FIBA Americas.