MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina (AP) — Brazil defeated the Dominican Republic 83-76 on Saturday to claim a berth in next year's London Olympics.

Marcelo Machado led Brazil with 20 points in the semifinal victory, which puts the South Americans into the final of the Olympic basketball qualifying tournament for the Americas on Sunday.

Argentina and Puerto Rico meet in the second semifinal later Saturday.

The two finalists qualify automatically for London. The third through fifth-placed teams earn spots in a qualifying tournament just before the games, which will award several more berths for London. Venezuela claimed the fifth-placed spot.

"We have realized a dream," Machado said. "We have worked hard for this, and this is a prize for effort and talent."

Brazil's Marceo Huerta added 19 points. Al Horford and Jack Martinez topped the Dominican Republic with 18.

The game was always close and the Dominican Republic drew level at 45-all after a basket by Horford with 5:01 left in the third quarter.

The Dominican Republic led twice by three points in the second quarter, but trailed 39-36 at the break.