POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Miguel Pearson
Group A
Mexico - British Virgin Islands 97-69
Mexico fired past British Virgin Islands to secure the semifinal appearance at the U17 Centrobasket tournament. Mexico will now take on Puerto Rico in the playoffs. British Virgin Islands slipped at 0-3 record in Group B. Mexico got to a very strong start. They poured in 33 points in the first ten minutes to accumulate a 22-point lead. The margin kept on growing throughout the second quarter. Mexico ensured a 55:22 halftime advantage. They erupted for 32 points in the third term and secured a 43-point lead before the fourth frame. British Virgin Islands went on a 25:10 run in the final period and trimmed the deficit at the end. Osmar Garcia (PG-97) nailed 20 points for Mexico. Jeffry Suarez (SG-96) had 17 points in the winning effort. Kimron Telemaque (175-PG-97) answered with 20 points for British Virgin Islands. Stephon Caul had 14 points in the loss.
El Salvador - Dominican Republic 23-81
Dominican Republic gained the third straight win at the U17 Centrobasket. They knocked down El Salvador to win Group B. Jeromy Rodriguez (198-PF-96) nailed 16 points to lead the winners. Dominican Republic clinched a 23:7 lead after the opening quarter. They stretched the gap in the second frame. Dominican Republic accumulated a 35:14 halftime advantage. The group leaders mounted the pressure in the second half. They jumped to a 34-point lead heading into the fourth frame and never looked back en route to the win. Oliver Francisco (188-SG-96) posted 14 points, while Jhery Matos and Cristian Duran had 10 points apiece for Dominican Republic. Rene Alas (186-PF-97) answered with 6 points for El Salvador as they finished at 1-2 record in Group B.
Group B
U.S. Virgin Islands - Costa Rica 78-58
US Virgin Islands will play in the semifinal of U17 Centrobasket tournament. They defeated Costa Rica to clinch the second position in Group A. Costa Rica on the other hand suffered the third straight defeat and remained at the bottom of the ladder. US Virgin Islands gained a 20:16 lead after the opening quarter. They stretched the gap in the second period. US Virgin Islands piled up a 44:33 halftime advantage. They stayed in front throughout the third term. The Virgin Islanders entered the fourth period up by 11 points. They held Costa Rica to 7 points in the final period and celebrated a key victory at the end. Jordan Murphy (193-C-97) came up with 24 points for US Virgin Islands. Jah-Gamba Felix (188-SG-96) netted 15 points for the winners. Miguel Pearson (178-PF-96) netted 25 points for Costa Rica. Daniel Shedden posted 12 points in the loss.
Puerto Rico - Bahamas 85-66
Puerto Rico clinched the second win at the U17 Centrobasket preliminary round. They knocked down Bahamas and finished on top of Group A. Puerto Rico will now take on Mexico in the semifinal. Bahamas suffered the first loss at the tournament and slipped to the third position in the standings. Bahamas jumped to an early lead. They recorded a 9-point advantage after ten minutes. Puerto Rico got within 3 points at halftime 31:34. The hosts erupted for 29 points in the third term to spur ahead. They registered a 60:53 lead heading into the fourth period. Puerto Rico dominated the game in the final period as they went on a 25:13 run and sealed the victory at the end. Jerron Love (175-PG-96) nailed 27 points, while Jose Arroyo (199-C-97) dropped 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the winners. Shakwon Lewis (178-PG-96) answered with 16 points for Bahamas. Jordan Wilson had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
