POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Kevin Young
Group A
Puerto Rico - Cuba 83-72
Puerto Rico clinched the second victory in a row at the Central American and the Caribbean Games in Mexico. They toppled Cuba to win Group B. Kevin Young (203-F-90, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Kansas) stepped up with 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead the winners. Puerto Rico will take on Dominican Republic, while Cuba will face Panama in the semifinals scheduled for tonight. Cuba gained an 18:15 lead after the opening quarter. But Puerto Rico denied the deficit in the second frame. They spurred ahead to eke out a 37:35 halftime lead. Puerto Rico boosted their lead in the third term. They established a 7-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter 59:54. Puerto Rico tossed in 22 points in the final frame and sealed the victory. Larry Ayuso (190-SG-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: USC) had 14 points, while Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC) contributed 12 points for the winners. William Granda (189-SG-85) responded with 21 points for Cuba. Jasiel Rivero (204-C) had 14 points in the loss.
Group B
Costa Rica - Panama 52-73
Panama recorded the third consecutive victory at the CAC Games. They held off Costa Rica to win Group B. Panama will now face Cuba in the semifinal today. Costa Rica eked out a 10:8 lead after the opening quarter. But Panama unleashed 27 points in the second frame and ensured a 35:25 halftime lead. Panama maintained the lead throughout the third term. They entered the fourth frame up by 14 points 55:41. Panama held their opponents to just 11 points in the fourth frame and cruised to the victory at the end. Trevor Gaskins (187-G-89, college: Louisiana Tech) finished with 18 points to pace Panama. Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) added 15 points in the win. Daniel Simmons (194-F/C-80) answered with 17 points and 11 rebounds for Costa Rica. Gardener had 8 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.
Mexico - Dominican Republic 72-77
Dominican Republic clinched the crucial victory in the last game of the preliminary round of the Central American and the Caribbean Games in Veracruz. They upset hosting Mexico to claim the second position in Group B. The win propelled Dominican Republic into the semifinal stage, while Mexico stayed in the third position out of the title race. Mexico posted 24 points in the first period to take a 3-point lead. But Dominican Republic erased the deficit and tied things up at 34. Mexico knocked down 25 points in the third term to take a one-point lead into the fourth quarter. However Dominican Republic limited the hosts to just 13 points in the fourth frame and sealed the winning outcome. Victor Liz (188-SG-88, agency: Duran International), Gerardo Suero (193-G-89, college: Albany) and Santana delivered 15 points each to pace the winners. Francisco Cruz (190-G-89, college: Wyoming) responded with 16 points for Mexico. Adam Parada (213-C-81, college: Cal-Irvine) topscored with 17 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
