POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Malik Joseph
Group A
El Salvador - Bahamas 57-86
Bahamas knocked down El Salvador to post the first win at the tournament. Bahamas accounted for a 47:25 halftime lead. They kept El Salvador at bay throughout the second half and rallied to the win. Malik Joseph (193-SF-02) finished with 20 points, while Romad Dean (201-PF-03) added 13 points and 12 rebounds for Bahamas. Anthony Reyes (180-SF-02) and Bryan Romero (75-SG-03) responded with 19 points each for El Salvador.
Puerto Rico - U.S. Virgin Islands 95-60
Puerto Rico recorded the second straight win in San Juan. They stormed past US Virgin Islands in Group A. Puerto Rico went on a massive 58:27 second half run to ice the win. Rafael Pinzon (196-G-02) scored 14 points, while Jose Nazario (188-G-02) and Kristhian Rivera (198-F-02) added 13 points each for Puerto Rico. Jahsean Corbett (02) replied with 14 points for US Virgin Islands.
Group B
Jamaica - Panama 69-125
Panama coasted past Jamaica to open win count in San Juan. Panama recorded a 59:38 halftime advantage. They poured in 66 points in the second half to ease to the victory. Guillermo Navarro (164-PG-03) posted 34 points, while Jorhiel Zapata (196-F-02) added 30 points and 8 rebounds for Panama. Joshua Minott (02) replied with 27 points and 9 rebounds for Jamaica.
Dominican Republic - Mexico 79-83
Mexico outscored Dominican Republic to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. The teams went neck and neck throughout the first half. The scoreboard read 35:35 at the big break. Dominican Republic went on a strong 28:11 run in the third period to surge ahead. But Mexico unleashed 37 points in the fourth quarter to snatch the win. Yahir Bonilla (204-SF-03) posted 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Ivan Bernal (188-PG-02) added 24 points for Mexico. Jean Montero (185-G-03) answered with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Dominican Republic.
