2027 World Cup South American Pre-Qualifiers: Bolivia nip Ecuador

Bolivia - Ecuador 59-57

Bolivia eked out a narrow win over Ecuador in the 2027 World Cup South American Pre-Qualifiers opener. Jose Perez (191-G/F-2000) scored 13 points to lead the hosts.
Bolivia jumped to a 21-12 lead after ten minutes. But Ecuador narrowed the gap at 4-point mark at the interval. Bolivia maintained the lead throughout the third stanza. They entered the fourth quarter up by five points. Ecuador limited the home side to just 12 points in the fourth stanza but could not avoid the loss. Irin Stark (185-G-1989, college: STAC) finished with 10 points for the winning side. Jordan Cardenas (206-C-1998, college: FNU, agency: BIG) answered with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Abraham Barahona (198-SF-2003) had 12 points in the losing case.