POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Kay Martinez
Group A
Guatemala - Costa Rica 59-85
Costa Rica knocked down Guatemala for the opening victory in San Jose. Kay Martinez (198-G-84, college: Jackson St.) notched 24 points to pace the winners. Carlos Quesada added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Costa Rica jumped to a 23:11 lead after ten minutes. Costa Rica followed with a 21:10 run in the third term to gain a 19-point lead. They never looked back afterwards marching to the victory. Miguel Gonzalez (189-G/F-90) responded with double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds for Guatemala.
Honduras - Mexico 77-82
Mexico got to the winning start of their COCABA Championship campaign. They knocked down Honduras in Group A. Jesus Gonzalez (195-F-86) stepped up with 24 points to pace the winners. Mexico sank 26 points to take a 4-point lead after the opening quarter. But Honduras denied the deficit and surged ahead for a 2-point lead at the final break. Mexico however went on a 24:17 run in the fourth frame and sealed the victory. Fernando Benitez (204-F/C-89) added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Christopher Flores (188-G-90, college: NJIT, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) responded with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for Honduras.
Group B
Nicaragua - El Salvador 75-66
Nicaragua held off El Salvador in the opening game in Group B. Carlos Gonzalez (177-PG-80) stepped up with 34 points to lead the winners. Nicaragua trailed by as many as 4 points at halftime 31:35. But Nicaragua ignited a 22:14 rally in the third term to take a 4-point lead. They dropped 22 points in the fourth frame and sealed the win. Vansdell Thomas (179-G-86, agency: Aspire Sports) accounted for 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. James Valladares (205-F/C-89, college: New Hampshire) responded with 18 points and 10 boards in the loss.
