POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Gustavo Ayon
Group A
Colombia - Puerto Rico 62-66
Puerto Rico celebrated the first victory at the tournament. They upset hosting Colombia in the opener. David Huertas (195-G/F-87, college: Mississippi) posted 15 points to lead the winners. Colombia jumped to a 40:26 halftime lead. But Puerto Rico bounced back with a massive 31:12 run in the third term to surge ahead. Colombia slowed their opponents down in the fourth period but could not save the game. Gary Browne (185-G-93, college: W.Virginia) had 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Stalin Ortiz (190-G-81, college: Valparaiso) answered with 14 points and 9 rebounds for Colombia.
Group B
Cuba - Bahamas 97-80
Cuba toppled Bahamas for the first win in Barranquilla. Karel Guzman (188-F-95) had 21 points in the win. Bahamas eked out a 28:25 lead after ten minutes. But Cuba ignited a 49:30 run in the next two periods to take a comfortable lead. They poured in 23 points in the final stanza to ice the victory. Javier Justiz (205-C-92, agency: Pro Sports) had 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocks for Cuba. Jackson Jacob (186-G) replied with 13 points for Bahamas.
Dominican Republic - Mexico 69-72
Mexico eked out a narrow win over Dominican Republic to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Gustavo Ayon (207-C-85, college: San Jose St.) had 19 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Dominican Republic grabbed a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. Mexico spurred in front in the second term. They established a 41:34 halftime lead. The seesaw action continued in the second half. Dominican Republic pulled ahead in the third term but Mexico dropped 21 points in the fourth stanza to seal the win. Francisco Cruz (190-G-89, college: Wyoming) had 17 points in the victory. Jhonatan Araujo (208-C-96, agency: Basket Management Solutions) replied with 16 points and 10 rebounds for Dominican Republic.
