Summary of Day 1 in Mexico

Jaime Lloreda

COCABA Championship started yesterday in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Costa Rico and Panama opened the event with victories jumping to 1-0 record in their Groups.

Costa Rica outsmarted El Salvador 77-72 mostly owing to nice played third quarter. The teams were tied after 20 minutes (34-34), but Costa Ricans grabbed lead after the breather and never looked back. They drained 24 points in third period, limiting their rivals on 17. In the last ten minutes Costa Rica was strong enough to keep its lead. Except of these two teams, participant of Group A is also the host - Mexico. The Mexicans will meet El Salvador tomorrow.

In the second game of Day 1 Panama blasted Guatemala 108-75. Danilo Pinnock demonstrated magnificent performance for the winners scoring 35 points. Jaime Lloreda (201-F-80, college: LSU) followed him with 11. Panama made 22-20 lead in the first quarter and they extended it to plus 14 until the half time. That was the end for Guatemalans as they never seriously threatened later. Beside these two teams, there is another one in Group B - Nicaragua. Tomorrow in its first performance Nicaragua will take on Panama.