AmeriCup 2025: Puerto Rico overpower Venezuela with a dominant second-half display

Puerto Rico overpowered Venezuela 97-70 with a dominant second-half display that turned a close game into a convincing victory. Puerto Rico started well, leading 21–17 after the first quarter, but Venezuela responded strongly in the second period with a 26–22 run to pull the game level at halftime, 43–43. After the break, Puerto Rico completely shifted gears, exploding for 27 points in the third quarter while holding Venezuela to just 15, building a comfortable lead. The momentum carried into the final frame, where Puerto Rico repeated their 27-point output and limited Venezuela to only 12 points, sealing the 27-point triumph. The decisive turnaround came in the third quarter, as Puerto Rico’s defensive intensity and offensive rhythm broke the balance and paved the way for a commanding win.
Ismael Romero (205-C-1991) led the way with 19 points and Alfonso Plummer (185-SG-1997, college: Illinois) had 17. Edwin Mijares (186-PG-1992) answered with 25 points in defeat, whilst Jose Ascanio (204-F-1996) had 12.