After taking a one-day break, play resumed as the second round of FIBA Americas 2013 went on its first day. The disparity in talent among the competing teams was apparent, but Friday's games should prove to be more evenly matched.

Game 1: Argentina vs. Jamaica

Jamaica is lucky to be at this stage of the tournament. After a surprising first-round win over Brazil that propelled them to the second round, they are in for a tough fight against an Argentina team that is itching to get back to their winning ways after a drubbing suffered at the hands of Puerto Rico.

While Jamaica has taller players (Jerome Jordan is a whopping 7'1"), they are yet to be tested against quality competition. Unfortunately for the Jamaicans, the best center in the tournament -- Luis Scola -- happens to be Argentinian. Samardo Samuels has been inconsistent lately, and his play can spell the difference between a blowout and a close game.

Very few expect Jamaica to upset Argentina, and I'm part of the bandwagon. Argentina by at least 15.

Game 2: Uruguay vs. Mexico

Both coming off losses, these two teams are trying to keep their semifinal hopes alive. A win for Mexico will at least tie them with Argentina for the fourth spot; a loss will have them plummet to second-to-last and tie them with Uruguay. Uruguay will be more than happy to play the spoiler here, as they have virtually no chance of making it to the top four.

One thing to watch out for is the inevitable matchup between Esteban Batista and Gustavo Ayon. Batista is a strong, steady force in the paint, while Ayon is an energy guy. How these two players will try to neutralise each other will be fun to see. In addition, Mexico's Orlando Mendez, who averages 15.8 points per game, will be matched up against the sharp-shooting Leandro Garcia, who averages 36.7 per cent from the outside.

Mexico will win this one, but only by ten points at the most.

Game 3: Canada vs. Venezuela

For Canada, anything less of a top-four finish will be a disappointment, especially now that they have five legitimate NBA-level players in their roster. Venezuela, on the other hand, is seeking to firm up its hold of the third spot, or even grab second. This is an important game with championship ramifications.

Canada's strength lies in its backcourt, including Andy Rautins and Cory Joseph. They also have a remarkable inside presence with a frontcourt rotation of Joel Anthony, Levon Kendall, Andrew Nicholson, and Tristan Thompson. In contrast, Venezuela will try to get the ball to either swingman Donta Smith, who averages 12.6 points per game, or Rafael Perez, who's shot 45 per cent from beyond the arc so far this tournament. Of course, there's still the home crowd to contend with.

That being said, it still won't be close. Canada wins by at least 10 after leading by 20.

Game 4: Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico is right on top of the heap, sweeping all of its games to date; it is expected to win it all and advance to the World Cup in Spain. The Dominican Republic is also in the middle of the pack, needing just a win or two to advance to the tournament semifinals; it cannot afford to lose again, especially if Mexico or Argentina wins.

The men in red have a wealth of size and experience -- J.J. Barea, the primary playmaker for Puerto Rico, is an NBA point guard with Minnesota. Veterans Carlos Arroyo and Larry Ayuso provide stability and wisdom to this team that has the potential to beat anybody on the planet. Renaldo Balkman has been a revelation so far in this year's tournament. Dominican Republic, despite a talented roster, has been underperforming so far. While they have four players averaging 9 points or more, their bench has not contributed the way it should have. Off-the-bench production is key in this game, especially since Barea starts in lieu of Ayuso.

Puerto Rico will win this one by at least 15.