POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Steven Mcdonald
Group A
Costa Rica - Guatemala 69-46
Costa Rica opened win count in Group A. They rallied past Guatemala for 1-1 record. Steven Mcdonald (197-C) stepped up with 13 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Costa Rica trailed by 8 points after ten minutes of action. However they used a 21:10 run in the second term to spur ahead. Costa Rica followed with a strong 39:19 second half run to seal the victory. Ricardo Rojas (177-SF) and Anfernne Watson notched 11 points apiece for the winners. David Sequeira (181-C) responded with 18 points for Guatemala.
Mexico - Dominican Republic 71-63
Mexico recorded the second straight victory in San Juan. They held off Dominican Republic in Group A. Bryan Urrutia (180-PG-97) posted 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the winners. Dominican Republic jumped to a 34:31 halftime lead. But Mexico responded with a 21:15 rally in the third quarter to spur ahead. They followed with a 19:14 surge in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Ivan Montano (174-G) delivered 19 points for the winners. Alfred Rothensteiner (190-F) responded with 12 points and 12 rebounds for Dominican Republic.
Group B
U.S. Virgin Islands - Puerto Rico 69-78
Puerto Rico celebrated the second consecutive victory at the tournament. The hosts overcame US Virgin Islands for 2-0 record in Group B. Luis Lopez (182-G) came up with 22 points to pace the winners. US Virgin Islands enjoyed a 12:9 lead after the opening qurter. But Puerto Rico unleashed 54 points in the next two quarters to post a 13-point lead at the final break. US Virgin Islands pulled closer in the fourth period but could not avoid the defeat. C Negron had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Jahmia Simmons (190-SG-98) answered with 16 points and 7 rebounds for US Virgin Islands.
Bahamas - Barbados 96-42
Bahamas stormed past Barbados to take 1-1 record in Group B. Deondre Vilmar (193-PG-97) came up with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the effort. Bahamas dominated from start to finish in this one. They registered a 45:25 halftime lead. Bahamas unloaded 51 points in the second half and cruised to the victory. Franco Miller (187-SG) connected for 15 points in the win. Brandon Hope (182-G) responded with 13 points for Barbados.
