Final
Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic 81:72
Puerto Rican National team won the CBC championship in Caguas. They overcame Dominican Republic in a fierce battle yesterday to take the throne. Both teams entered the Final with perfect record and hoped to extend it. Dominican Republic withstood starting pressure from the hosts and rolled to a narrow 24:22 lead.
Final
Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic 81:72 Puerto Rican National team won the CBC championship in Caguas. They overcame Dominican Republic in a fierce battle yesterday to take the throne. Both teams entered the Final with perfect record and hoped to extend it. Dominican Republic withstood starting pressure from the hosts and rolled to a narrow 24:22 lead. Puerto Rico battled every ball and managed to outplay a single point heading for a break with one-point deficit 38:39. The home team though used halftime break to reignite and started to deliver in the second half. They surged ahead in the third term and drove to a 64:61 advantage. Puerto Rico were unstoppable at the end of the game rushed to an overall success. Dominican Republic players got nervous and missed some opened shots at the dying stages to fall short. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) was the key to Puerto Rican win as he nailed 20 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 6 assists. Carmelo Lee (201-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Long Beach St.) and Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) added 15 points apiece for the winners. Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) paced Dominican Republic with 26 points. Michael Martinez (186-G-88) provided 13 points and game-high 19 boards in defeat. Puerto Rico converted 52% of close range shots and 30% from beyond the arc. Dominican Republic hit 48% of two-pointers and 36% of three point attempts. Dominican players also dominated the paint outrebounding the winners 42:37 but committed 15 turnovers.
Cuba - Bahamas 90:88 Cuban team needed an overtime to celebrate a tough victory over Bahamas in the Bronze medals game. Cuba got to a flying start as they led 27:11 after the first quarter. However Bahamas started to crave their way back in the second frame. They cut the deficit to 36:46 at halftime. The game turned Bahamas way in the third quarter as they overwhelmed their opponents 27:17 and drew the scoreline. The final stanza never defined the winner and teams needed an overtime to decide who is going to take Bronze and qualify for the 2008 Centrobasket tournament. Cuba led by Geoffrey Silvestre (202-F/C-79) succeeded at the end. He nailed 30 points and grabbed 11 boards for Cuba. Orestes Torres (203-C-87) contributed 16 points for the winners. Magnum Rolle (208-F) had 20 points and 9 boards for Bahamas. Scott Forbes (196-F-75, college: Florida Intern.) added 15 points in a losing case.
Antigua - Barbados 77:73 Antiguan team secured the fifth spot in the final ladder of the CBC championship. They defeated Barbados in the clash for the 5th place. Barbadian team looked more confident at the start of the game and established an early 25:15 lead. However Antigua responded with a massive 20:8 blow to surge ahead at halftime. They continue to impress after the break and extended the lead to 53:45 at the end of the third quarter. Barbados tried hard to save the encounter but never succeeded and lost it finishing at the 6th spot. Wayne Walker (198-F-75, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) led Antigua with 19 points and 10 boards. Lennox McCoy (188-G-77, college: Cent.Oklahoma) added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Zahir Motara (180-G-81) paced Barbados with 24 points. Pearson Griffith (208-C-81, college: Murray St.) had 14 points and 13 boards in a loss.
Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic qualify for 2008 Centrobasket
by Eurobasket News - Aug 12, 2007
Semifinals
Puerto Rico - Bahamas 77:64
Puerto Rican team advanced into the Final of home CBC championship in Caguas. They managed to overcome Bahamas in a tight semifinal clash yesterday. Bahamas was probably the first opponent that forced Puerto Rico to turn on the maximum speed. The teams kept it close in the first half and drove to a 36:36 draw at halftime.
Semifinals
Puerto Rico - Bahamas 77:64 Puerto Rican team advanced into the Final of home CBC championship in Caguas. They managed to overcome Bahamas in a tight semifinal clash yesterday. Bahamas was probably the first opponent that forced Puerto Rico to turn on the maximum speed. The teams kept it close in the first half and drove to a 36:36 draw at halftime. However an experienced Puerto Rican squad used a couple of mistakes from Bahamas side and rushed ahead. Cheered up by the local fans they never surrendered it at the end and celebrated a narrow victory. Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) produced 19 points for Puerto Rico. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) and Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) added 13 points for the winners. Magnum Rolle (208-F) answered with 17 points and 10 boards for Bahamas.
Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico will now clash in the Final later tonight.
Puerto Rico defeats Cuba to enter semifinal unbeaten
by Eurobasket News - Aug 11, 2007
Group A
Dominican Republic - Antigua 88:64
Dominican Republic secured the top spot in Group A ladder as they rolled past Antigua yesterday. Dominican Republic were dominant right from the start and piled up a 46:27 lead at halftime. Dominican Republic though never stopped and completed the task in the second half posting another comprehensive victory.
Group A
Dominican Republic - Antigua 88:64 Dominican Republic secured the top spot in Group A ladder as they rolled past Antigua yesterday. Dominican Republic were dominant right from the start and piled up a 46:27 lead at halftime. Dominican Republic though never stopped and completed the task in the second half posting another comprehensive victory. Five Dominican Republic players scored in double figures. Jack Martinez led them with 15 points and 8 boards. Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) and Radhames Almonte provided 13 points apiece. Lennox McCoy (188-G-77, college: Cent.Oklahoma) replied with 19 points for Antigua. Wayne Walker (198-F-75, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) had 18 points in a loss. Dominican Republic will now play against Cuba in today's semifinal. Antigua faces British Virgin Islands for the 5th-8th places.
Bahamas - Guyana 91:79 Bahamas edged Guyana and climbed to the second spot in Group A. This means they became the second semifinal participant from Group A. Bahamas needed to overcome a slow start of the game as they trailed 16:26 after the opening frame. However they managed to cut the deficit to 5 points at halftime 35:40. The teams entered the final stanza all square as Bahamas closed the gap in the third frame. Guyana were out of rhythm and could not stop Bahamas en route to important victory. Quentin Hall (174-G-77, agency: Promotex, college: Gonzaga) produced 18 points and 7 assists for Bahamas. Jaraun Burrows (203-C, college: Volunteer St. CC) added 15 points for the winners. Gordon Klaiber (206-F-83, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) chipped in game-high 24 points for Guyana. Michael Creepy secured another 24 points in defeat.
British Virgin Islands - Trinidad and Tobago 80:73 British Virgin Islands recorded their second straight victory and occupied the third spot in Group B. They edged Trinidad and Tobago in the last round of preliminary action. Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile finished the tournament as the only winless team. Trinidad however started the game brave enough and overwhelmed their opponents 23:10 in the first frame. Trinidad stayed ahead at halftime 39:26. But the things changed drastically after the break. British Virgin Islands regained control over the game and simply destroyed opposing defence. They nailed 54 points in the second half to celebrate a hard-fought win 80:73. Kennedy Bass (196-F, college: Anderson) topscored for BVI with 23 points. Kleon Penn (211-C-87) fired 12 points and grabbed 9 boards for the winners. Wilfred Banjamin had 25 points and 11 boards for Trinidad and Tobago. Steven Lewis (-F) netted 15 points in a losing case. BVI will now play against Antigua for the 5th-8th spots.
Trinidad and Tobago: Wilfred Banjamin 25+11 boards, Steven Lewis 15
Puerto Rico - Cuba 89:68 Puerto Rico triumphed over Cuba on last day of preliminary action. The win ensured the top spot in Group B for the home side. The game was pretty close in the first half as the teams exchanged the blows. Puerto Rico won the starting frame 22:18. But Cuba responded with a 22:19 success in the second quarter. However things got worse for Cuban team in the second half. Puerto Rico speeded up the tempo and rushed ahead 29:17. Establishing a comfortable 70:57 lead at the start of the fourth stanza Puerto Rico never allowed Cuba to threaten it. Carmelo Lee (201-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Long Beach St.) notched 19 points for hosts. Another four players added 13 points apiece for the winners. Geoffrey Silvestre (202-F/C-79) once again topscored for Cuba with 20 points and 12 boards. Allens Jemmott (193-G-80) produced 10 points in a losing effort. Cuba dominated the boards 48:40 but lacked accuracy from the field. They converted 38% of two pointers and just 21% from beyond the arc. Puerto Rico answered with 55% from close range and 37% of three pointers. The home side also committed just 7 turnovers. Puerto Rico will now face Bahamas in the semifinal today. Cuba takes on Dominican Republic in another semifinal clash later tonight.
Group A
Guyana - Antigua 78:68
Guyana secured their first victory in the CBC championship in Puerto Rico. They edged Antigua 78:68 in Day 4 action. Forward Gordon Klaiber (206-F-83, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) chipped in 34 poitns for Guyana and ensured their 1-1 record. Guyana drove to a 39:33 advantage at halftime.
Group A
Guyana - Antigua 78:68 Guyana secured their first victory in the CBC championship in Puerto Rico. They edged Antigua 78:68 in Day 4 action. Forward Gordon Klaiber (206-F-83, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) chipped in 34 poitns for Guyana and ensured their 1-1 record. Guyana drove to a 39:33 advantage at halftime. However Antigua was not about to let it go slip away so easily and tied the scoreline at 54 entering the final stanza. But a strong final run lifted Guyana to an overall victory. Carl Benn and Lorenzo Withrite (204-F/C-81, college: Lee) scored 10 points apiece for the winners. Joshua Clinton (201-F/C, college: Spoon River JC) answered with 21 points and 15 boards for Antigua. Lennox McCoy (188-G-77, college: Cent.Oklahoma) added 16 points and 11 boards in a loss. Antigua will next face Dominican Republic, while Guyana takes on Bahamas.
British Virgin Islands - Barbados 73:68 British Virgin Islands celebrated the first win at the CBC championship in Caguas. They managed to overcome Barbadian team in Group B. BVI led by as many as 16 points at halftime 25:41 but slowed down in the third quarter. Barbados reacted immediatelly and cut the deficit to just 4 points 47:51. However BVI survived dramatic final seconds to post their first win at the tournament. Kennedy Bass (196-F, college: Anderson) produced 20 points for BVI. Halstead Chiverton nailed another 13 points for the winners. Andre Lockhart (183-G-86, college: Rust) responded with 16 points for Barbados. Pearson Griffith (208-C-81, college: Murray St.) had 13 points in defeat.
Cuba - Trinidad and Tobago 84:64 Cuba successfully completed Day of action in Group B as they toppled Trinidad and Tobago for their third win at the tournament. The teams kept it close in the opening frame and Cuba managed to pile up just 6-point advantage 26:20. However they speeded up in the second frame and left Trinidad far behind. Cuba established a 47:29 lead at halftime and never lokked back from now on. Geoffrey Silvestre (202-F/C-79) led all scorers with 30 points and 8 boards for Cuba. Michael Guerra (188-G-79) contributed 11 points in a winning effort. Wilfred Benjamin (201-F/C, college: Williston St. JC) scored 17 points and pulled down 9 boards for Trinidad. Julius Ashby (205-F/C-82, college: Colorado) had 15 points in defeat. Cuba will now face Puerto Rico in the battle for the top spot in Group B.
Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic on top of their groups
by Eurobasket News - Aug 9, 2007
Group A
Dominican Republic - Bahamas 99:68
Dominican Republic celebrated their second victory at the CBC championship in Caguas. They drove past Bahamas 99:68 and occupied the top spot in Pool A.
Dominican Republic players established a comfortable 53:29 advantage at halftime and never looked back in the second half.
Group A
Dominican Republic - Bahamas 99:68 Dominican Republic celebrated their second victory at the CBC championship in Caguas. They drove past Bahamas 99:68 and occupied the top spot in Pool A. Dominican Republic players established a comfortable 53:29 advantage at halftime and never looked back in the second half. Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) led all scorers with 25 points and 9 rebounds. Jack Martinez nailed 21 points for the winners. Jadson Stubbs replied with 16 points for Bahamas. Quentin Hall (174-G-77, agency: Promotex, college: Gonzaga) provided 14 points in a defeat. Dominican Republic face Antigua in the battle for the top place in the group tomorrow. Bahamas fell to 0-2 record and will try to improve against Guyana tomorrow.
Cuba - British Virgin Islands 105:81 Cuban National team came out as winners from the second game at the CBC championship in Puerto Rico. They edged British Virgin Islands 105:81 to stay undefeated in Group B behind the home side. Cuba used a spectacular 32:19 first frame to establish a comfortable lead. British Virgin Islands bounced back in the second quarter when they managed to outscore Cuban team 17:15. Cuba were still in front 47:36 at halftime. They made themselves safe in the third quarter driving to a 30:18 dominance and setting a 77:54 distance. British Virgin Islands were not able to perform any sort of comeback and Cuba improved to 2-0 record. Geoffrey Silvestre (202-F/C-79) shone for Cuba as he nailed game-high 34 points and pulled down 10 boards. Henry Simon (199-F-79) and Allens Jemmott (193-G-80) added 15 points apiece for the winners. Kennedy Bass (196-F, college: Anderson) had 28 points and 8 assists for British Virgin Islands. Steve Parillon (196-F-78, agency: Sanni Hoops, college: Henderson St.) netted 18 points in a loss. Cuba outrebounded their opponents 43:22. They also forced Virgin Islands to 26 turnovers. British Virgin Islands struggled from the stripe converting just 45%. Cuba will play against Trinidad and Tobago later tonight.
Barbados - Puerto Rico 38:104 Barbadian team suffered second straight loss at the CBC championship in Caguas, Puerto Rico. In the third round of action Barbadian team faced hosts Puerto Rico and had to surrender. Barbados were not able to keep the pace with the tournament favorites and were crashed 38:104. The defeat saw Barbados fell to 1-2 record and the third spot in Group B. Puerto Rico remained unbeaten on top of the ladder. Barbados were stunned early in the game as they first lost the opening frame 6:26. Puerto Rico never stopped and simply destroyed their opponents in the second quarter 34:2. Trailing by as many as 52 points at halftime Barbados fought only for respect in the second half. They managed to bounce back early in the third and despite falling short looked more solid in it 13:16. They nailed 17 points in the final stanza but still were beaten 17:28. Six Puerto Rican players scored in double figures. Filiberto Rivera (187-G-82, college: UTEP) led them with 14 points and 5 assists. Miguel Ali Berdiel (198-G-83, college: Valparaiso), Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) and Joel Jones (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Sacramento St.) secured 11 points apiece for the winners. Pearson Griffith (208-C-81, college: Murray St.) answered with game-high 15 points and 5 rebounds for Barbados. Zahir Motara (180-G-81) had 6 points and 6 boards in a losing effort. Barbados will next take on British Virgin Islands today. Puerto Rico faces Cuba tomorrow.
Group A
Dominican Republic - Guyana 99:76
Dominican Republic team started their CBC championship campaign with victory. They thrashed Guyana in the opening game in Group A. The outcome in this one was mainly built in the first frame as Dominican Republic players stun their opponents with a 29:13 start.
Group A
Dominican Republic - Guyana 99:76 Dominican Republic team started their CBC championship campaign with victory. They thrashed Guyana in the opening game in Group A. The outcome in this one was mainly built in the first frame as Dominican Republic players stun their opponents with a 29:13 start. Before Guyana could have recovered from the blow Dominican Republic squad extended the lead to 50:29 at halftime. Guyana team tried to fight back the gap but could not maintain aggressive offensive game from Dominican Republic players and lost the third frame 22:27. Establishing an unassailable 77:51 distance at the beginning of the final stanza Dominican Republic allowed Guyana to celebrate a local success as they won the final part 25:22. Franklin Canales paced Dominican Republic with 26 points. Elpidio Lara contributed 18 points for the winners. Gordon Caliber scored 18 points for Guyana. Sean Powell secured another 15 points in defeat. Dominican Republic dominited the battle under the rims as they pulled down 45 boards, including 14 offensive rebounds. They also shot solid 54% of two-pointers and 43% from outside. Dominican Republic topped Group A and will play against Bahamas tonight. Guyana takes on Antigua tomorrow.
Dominican Republic: Franklin Canales 26, Elpidio Lara 18 Guyana: Gordon Caliber 18, Sean Powell 15
Group B
Cuba - Barbados 93:69 Cuban National team recorded the first victory at the CBC championship in Puerto Rico. They toppled Barbados to claim a victorious start to their campaign. Barbados meanwhile fell to 1-1 record in Group B. Barbadian team were well charged with energy after yesterday's win and got off to a better start. They surged ahead while Cuba got used to the atmosphere and led 27:21 after the first frame. Cuban players though did not need too much time to get themselves back into contest and bounced back in the second quarter. They outscored Barbados 24:9 and left for a break in front 45:36. Cuban team continued to domincate the scene in the second half as they rolled to a 26:19 third frame and extended the lead to 16 points. Barbados did not find enough energy to fight back in the final stanza and had to surrender. Allens Duquense topscored for Cuba with 22 points. Henry Moises added 17 points and 12 boards for the winners. Andre Lockhart and Pearson Griffith produced 16 points apiece for Barbados. Zahir Motara had 15 points in a loss. Barbados will next take on hosting and still undefeated Puerto Rico today. Cuba will clash with British Virgin Islands later tonight.
Puerto Rico - Trinidad and Tobago 93:67 Well-crafted team effort from Puerto Rican players ensured their second straight win at the home CBC championship. They defeated Trinidad and Tobago in the second day of action in Caguas. The hosts dominited right from the start and never allowed their opponents to come close. Six Puerto Rican players scored in double figures. Angelo Reyes led the action with 17 points and 12 boards. Peter Fuentes secured 14 points in a win. Trinidad replied with 15 points and 8 rebounds from Jukius Ashby. Puerto Rico remained on top of Group B with a perfect 2-0 record. They will next play against Barbados today. Trinidad fell to 0-2 an faces Cuba tomorrow.
Puerto Rico: Angelo Reyes 17+12 boards, Peter Fuentes 14 Trinidad and Tobago: Jukius Ashby 15, Steven Lewis 14
