POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Osmel Oliva
Group A
Jamaica - Cuba 66-79
Cuba opened win count at the Central American and the Caribbean Games in Mexico. They defeated Jamaica in Group A. Osmel Oliva (178-PG-87) came up with 20 points to lead the winners. Cuba registered a 14:8 lead after the first period. They stayed in front throughout the second frame. Cuba piled up a 33:22 halftime lead. They went on a 23:13 run in the third term to clear off for good. Justiz and Lisvan Valdez (195-G/F-88) accounted for 17 points each for Cuba. Oritseweyinmi Efejuku (196-G-86, college: Providence) responded with game-high 30 points for Jamaica. Damian Staple (201-F/C-80, agency: Marcher Sports, college: Iowa St.) had 9 points in the loss.
Group B
Dominican Republic - Costa Rica 83-73
Dominican Republic accounted for the first victory at the Central American and the Caribbean Games. They held off Costa Rica for 1-1 record in Group B. Edward Santana (203-F-80) had 16 points to pace the winning side. Dominican Republic held on to a narrow 3-point lead ten minutes into the game. But they used a 28:8 run in the second period to clear off. The teams traded baskets throughout the third term as Dominican Republic enjoyed a safe 23-point cushion at the final break. Costa Rica cut the distance in the fourth period but could not avoid the second straight defeat at the tournament. Kelvin Pena (193-G-80, college: Southeastern CC) tossed in 15 points, while Victor Liz (188-SG-88, agency: Duran International) and Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81) added 12 points each for the winners. Daniel Simmons (194-F/C-80) responded with 20 points for Costa Rica. Hernold Gardener (205-C-82, college: Lon Morris JC) had 17 points in the loss.
Panama - Mexico 79-73
Panama celebrated the second straight victory at the CAC Games. They toppled hosting Mexico to stay perfect in Group B. Trevor Gaskins (187-G-89, college: Louisiana Tech) nailed 17 points to lead the effort. Mexico snatched a 20:19 lead after the opening quarter. But Panama pulled ahead in the second frame. The visitors secured a 37:34 halftime advantage. Mexico denied the deficit to knot things up at 56 heading into the fourth frame. But Panama unloaded 23 points in the final period and escaped with the victory. Jose Lloreda (203-F/C-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU) had 16 points, while Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) contributed 13 points for Panama. Carlos Toussaint (190-G-91) responded with 16 points for Mexico. Francisco Cruz (190-G-89, college: Wyoming) and Marco Ramos (198-F-87, college: Grand Canyon) chipped in 13 points each in the loss.
