Boxscores l Photo gallery
 
NOVI SAD (FIBA U19 World Championship) – Brazil trailed early in the second half but went on a decisive run midway through the third quarter to win 83-67 over Lebanon in their Group A opener at the FIBA U19 World Championship.

Lebanon twice were in front by as many as nine points in the first half but were unable to hold on. A three-pointer by Carlinhos Ortega Solo de Zaldiva put the South Americans into a 44-42 advantage with 6:40 remaining in third quarter and they led the rest of the way.

That shot sparked an 11-2 run that left Jose Alves Neto’s men in front at 52-43.

By the end of the third quarter, the Brazilians were 61-47 ahead and the lead ballooned to 81-57 with just under four minutes remaining in the game.

Paulao Prestes ended up leading Brazil with 17 points while Thomas de Moura Melazzo had 15 and Betinho Nardi Duarte 14.

Miguel Martinez topped the scoring for Lebanon with 17.

The Brazilians cruised in the second half, ending the game 19 of 39 (48.7%) from two-point range and six of 21 (28.5%) from the arc.

Their free throw shooting left much to be desired. They ended up 27 of 46 (58.6%) from the line while Lebanon were an even worse 12 of 31 (38.7%).

The Asian representatives were plagued by 26 turnovers in the contest.

FIBA