PANAMA CITY (Panama) - In a very even game, Panama was able to resist Paraguay's last quarter’s reaction and celebrated an 82-79 win at the Arena Roberto Durán.

Two free throws by forward Josimar Ayarza, with 16 seconds remaining, allowed the Panamanians to take an 81-77 advantage, after the Paraguayans had cut the difference to two (79-77), with a three-pointer by Alejandro Peralta. Then, another free-throw from Akil Mitchell allowed the hosts to take the victory.

Panama had five players in double digits. Javier Carter finished with 20, Tony Bishop with 18 and 11 rebounds, veteran Ernesto Oglivie added 14, while Mitchell added 11 and Ayarza 10.

Given the lack of effectiveness from distance, the Panamanian attack in the painted area was decisive with 46 points.

Paraguay also deployed a balanced attack, with four players with more than 10 points. Alejandro Peralta added 19 points, Gabriel Peralta and Captain Zanotti scored 15 each and Edgar Rivero 10.

On Monday, the teams will meet in Asunción.

FIBA