World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers: Panama outscore Cuba for first win

Cuba - Panama 81-84

Panama opened win count at the 2027 World Cup Americas Qualifiers Group D. They nipped Cuba at the Arena Roberto Duran. Iverson Molinar (193-G-1999, college: MSU) tallied 26 points, while Ernesto Oglivie (203-C/F-1989) contributed 22 points and 10 caroms for the hosts.
Panama sank 29 points in the first period to gain a 10-point lead. Cuba bounced back with a 30-22 rally in the third period to pull within 2 points. But Panama held their opponents to just 12 points and raced to the victory.
Marcos Chacon (194-F/G-2003) notched 30 points for Cuba.