POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Fernando Benitez-Gomez
Group A
Mexico - Guatemala 89-64
Mexico eased to the second straight victory in Group A. They rallied past Guatemala. Fernando Benitez (204-F/C-89) and Jesus Gonzalez (195-F-86) tossed in 17 points each for the winners. Mexico registered a 39:17 halftime lead. Guatemala unleashed 28 points in the third term to pull within 18 points. However Mexico dropped 26 points in the final stanza and raced to the victory. David Estrada posted 12 points for the winners. Miguel Gonzalez (189-G/F-90) responded with 18 points for Guatemala.
Costa Rica - Honduras 65-54
Costa Rica knocked down Honduras to account for the second victory in San Jose. Kay Martinez (198-G-84, college: Jackson St.) nailed 29 points to pace the hosts. Costa Rica ensured a 39:27 halftime lead. They kept Honduras at bay throughout the second half and marched to the victory. Carlos Quesada delivered 14 points in the winning effort. Pedro Salazar (205-C-72, agency: Globo Sport) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Honduras. Christopher Flores (188-G-90, college: NJIT, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) chipped in 13 points in the loss.
Group B
Panama - Nicaragua 88-63
Panama got to the winning start of their COCABA Championship campaign. They knocked down Nicaragua for 1-0 record in Group B. Josimar Ayarza (205-F-87, college: S.Mississippi, agency: Agency) stepped up with 25 points to lead the winners. Panama recorded a 48:32 halftime lead. They never looked back in the second half cruising to the victory. Jonathan King (198-G/F-90) tossed in 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the winners. Vansdell Thomas (179-G-86, agency: Aspire Sports) and Carlos Gonzalez (177-PG-80) responded with 11 points each for Nicaragua.
