AmeriCup Centrobasket Qualifiers: Dominican Republic Erase 14-Point Deficit to Stun Bahamas

The Bahamas controlled this one for three quarters, building a lead as large as 14 points and carrying a 59-48 edge into the fourth at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello on July 12, 2026. Then the Dominican Republic found another gear entirely, closing the game on a 24-10 run a 12-0 burst midway through the period cut the gap to one, and Yadira Polanco (178-G/F-1992)'s layup with 45 seconds left tied it before Yirsy Queliz (163-G-2004)'s go-ahead jumper sealed a stunning 72-69 comeback win in the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers.
Esmery Martinez (188-F-2000, college: Arizona) was the engine of the rally, posting a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double with three steals and two blocks, while Cesarina Capellan (178-SF-2003) led all Dominican scorers with 20 points. Queliz added 14 points, and Polanco delivered five crucial points and a steal in the closing crunch-time stretch. Lashann Higgs (175-G-1995, college: Texas) was outstanding for the Bahamas with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists, keeping her team in front for most of the night, but the Bahamas went cold at the worst possible time, managing just 10 points in the fourth as the Dominican Republic completed the turnaround.