POSTED BY: Eurobasket Center
Mexico won the 2009 COCABA Championship after beating Belize 106-103 in the Gold medal game played at Poliforum Benito Jurez.
A flagrant foul by Keenan Jourdon (202-F-74, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Boston Coll.) against Horacio Llamas (212-C-73) sent him to the line to break the 103-103 tie after two free throws with 27 seconds left. Then Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.) went to the line in the next play to secure a three point lead.
The Mexicans finished the first quarter down 31-28 but reacted in the second to finish up 54-45. Romel Beck (203-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV) had 15 points and Noe Alonzo (200-F-83, college: Grand Canyon) 11 at the half.
Belize had a great third period and took the lead 78-77 but in the final quarter the Mexicans made another run with better execution and dominance in the paint.
In the win Romel Beck had 26 points and Noe Alonzo 21. In the loss Marlon Garnett (188-G-75, college: Santa Clara) netted 43 points.
Panama beat Costa Rica 86-69 to finish third in the tournament. Joel Muoz had 24 points and Leo Pomare 18 for the winners.
After being down 36-31 at half, Panama reacted led by Muoz and Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) to get the win. The second haalf was for Panama 55-33.
Daniel Simmons (193-F/C-80) led Costa Rica with 21 points while Clifford Smith (193-G-82, college: Barry) had 18.
Honduras beat El Salvador 65-58 and Guatemala won over Nicaragua 91-80 in the Classification Round.
Final Positions:
1. Mexico*
2. Belize**
3. Panama
4. Costa Rica
5. Guatemala
6. Nicaragua
7. Honduras
8. El Salvador
* Qualified for the 2010 Centrobasket Tournament.
** Classification subject to result of appeal about player eligibility.
Centrobasket 2010:
Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands (Gold and Silver from last Centrobasket).
Jamaica, British Virgin Islands and Cuba (CBC).
Mxico and Belize (COCABA).
1 Host for 2010 Centrobasket Tournament.
Courtesy of FIBA Americas
