Nestor Colmenares (R) of Venezuela competes during the group I match between Venezuela and Russia at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, on Sept. 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Xue Yubin)
FOSHAN, China, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Russia capped its FIBA Basketball World Cup in a triumphant manner after outclassing Venezuela 69-60 in Group I here on Sunday.
Both sides have been dumped out of last eight prior to head-to-head. Russia finishes its trip in China at 3-2 after the second round action, while Venezuela sits at 2-3.
With 50.9 seconds from time, Russia still had double-digit advantage in hand. The time was not enough for Venezuela to mount a big run to turn the table.
Andrey Vorontsevich posted 17 points and nine rebounds for Russia.
The two teams were restrained to below-par shooting performance in a tightly contested opening quarter. Venezuela converted 4 of 19 attempts, while Russia just nailed one triple, with its remaining points all from free throw line.
Michael Carrera's driving layup put an end to Venezuela's scoring drought in almost four minutes, but Russia maintained a slim advantage at 13-10 as the first 10 minutes expired.
Sluggishness at the offensive end continued to bother the two sides, who tied at 27-all back to their locker room.
Heading into the final period at 48-42, Russia staved off South American opponents through free throws.
Carrera had a match-leading 19 points. Jhornan Zamora added 13.
Argentina and Poland will vie for the group winner in a later match.
