POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Ronnie Aguilar
Mexico - Honduras 90:46
Mexico registered the second consecutive win at the COCABA Championship in San Salvador. They knocked down Honduras to remain perfect. Orlando Mendez-Valdez (185-G-86, college: W.Kentucky) posted 16 points to lead the winners. Honduras fell at 0-2 record.
Mexico did not waste time pulling ahead early in the encounter. They registered a 20:12 lead after ten minutes. Mexico maintained the advantage throughout the second term. They arrived at halftime up by 16 points 39:23. Mexico unleashed 27 points in the third term to balloon the lead to as many as 30 points before the fourth frame. Honduras never recovered and had to surrender at the end. Jesus Gonzalez (195-F-86) posted 14 points, while Francisco Cruz (190-G-89, college: Wyoming) and Joaquin Villanueva (207-C-86) had 11 points each for the winners. Jerry Echenique (201-C-79, college: High Point) responded with 15 points for Honduras. Pedro Salazar (205-C-72) had 11 points in the loss.
Mexico: Orlando Mendez-Valdez 16, Jesus Gonzalez 14, Francisco Cruz 11, Joaquin Villanueva 11
Honduras: Jerry Echenique 15, Pedro Salazar 11
El Salvador - Costa Rica 52:46
El Salvador recorded the second consecutive win at the start of the COCABA Championship. The hosts overcame Costa Rica in San Salvador. Ronnie Aguilar (216-C-87, college: Colorado St.) posted 15 points and 17 rebounds to lead the home side.
Costa Rica got to an aggressive start to the game. They posted a 14:7 lead after ten minutes of action. El Salvador cut the deficit in the second term. They narrowed the distance to 3 points at halftime 22:25. El Salvador got closer throughout the third term. They trailed by a single point heading into the fourth period 36:37. The home team ignited a 16:9 run in the final quarter and snatched the victory at the end. Jose Araujo (186-G-86, agency: Interperformances) netted 11 points, while Salvador Bandek (181-G-78) contributed 10 points in the victory. Kay Martinez (198-G-84, college: Jackson St.) answered with 13 points for Costa Rica. Carlos Quesada (198-C-85) chipped in 9 points in the loss.
El Salvador: Ronnie Aguilar 15+17 boards, Jose Araujo 11, Salvador Bandek 10
Costa Rica: Kay Martinez 13, Carlos Quesada 9
