POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Edward Santana
FINAL
Panama - Dominican Republic 69-83
Dominican Republic celebrated the Central American and the Caribbean Games title. They topped Panama in the championship game. Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81) was pivotal for the winners with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Dominican Republic recorded a 19:14 lead ten minutes into the game. They followed with a strong 30:8 rally in the second period. Dominican Republic piled up a comfortable 27-point halftime advantage. Panama however refused to surrender. They went on a 26:12 run in the third term to narrow the gap at 13-point mark. But Dominican Republic scored 22 points in the fourth period and earned a well-deserved victory. Gerardo Suero (193-G-89, college: Albany) netted 16 points, while Edward Santana (203-F-80) added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Jose Lloreda (203-F/C-80, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: LSU) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Panama. Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi) had 13 points in the loss.
3-4 Place
Puerto Rico - Cuba 107-97 OT
Puerto Rico earned the CAC Games Bronze. They overcame Cuba in an overtime thriller in the consolation final on Friday. Carlos Rivera (187-PG-83, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Hofstra) stepped up with 19 points to lead the effort. Puerto Rico eked out a 41:39 halftime lead. But Cuba spurred ahead in the third term. They sank 26 points to take a 2-point advantage heading into the fourth frame. Puerto Rico responded with a 26-point effort in the final period to level things up at 89 at the end of regulation. Puerto Rico fired 18 points in the extra period and escaped with a tough victory. Larry Ayuso (190-SG-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: USC) had 18 points, while Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC) added 16 points in the win. Jasiel Rivero (204-C) responded with 34 points for Cuba. William Granda (189-SG-85) had 16 points in the loss.
5-6 Place
Mexico - Costa Rica 74-65
Mexico wrapped up their Central American and the Caribbean Games campaign with victory. The hosts defeated Costa Rica in the game for the fifth position. Carlos Toussaint (190-G-91) stepped up with 21 points in the win. Mexico got to a slow start. Costa Rica ensured an 18:13 lead after ten minutes. Mexico cut the distance at 3-point mark at the interval 28:31. The hosts broke through in the third term. They triggered a 31:12 run to take a comfortable lead. Costa Rica sank 22 points in the fourth frame but could not avoid the defeat. Adam Parada chipped in 14 points, while Francisco Cruz (190-G-89, college: Wyoming) added 11 points in the win. Kay Martinez (198-G-84, college: Jackson St.) responded with 26 points for Costa Rica. Jeffney Anderson (208-C-83, college: Southern) had 13 points in the loss.
