ASUNCIÓN (Paraguay) – Panama (2-0) concluded with a perfect record in Group B of this first window of the FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Qualifiers by defeating Paraguay (0-2) the second time in a row – this time as visiting team – in a 75-66 game at the SND Arena in Asunción.

Veteran players Josimar Ayarza and Ernesto Oglivie headed the Panamanian attack with 15 and 14 points, respectively, while Tony Bishop contributed 12 with 11 rebounds.

Contrary to the first game on Friday, when Panama suffered to win at home (82-72), this time, the Central Americans took control from the onset. The Panamanian five played a solid first half, leading 39-23 thanks to an effective defense that forced the rivaling team to lose 11 possessions, which they used in their favor to achieve several transition shots.

The Paraguayans reacted phenomenally in the third quarter and came closer, 56-49, with a 26-17 quarter, and everyone expected a closer conclusion. But Panama once again adjusted its defense and limited the locals to just three points in the first five minutes of the last quarter, reestablishing the double-digit distance – up until the very end.

For Paraguay, Edgar Riveros was the most outstanding player, with 16 points, followed by Ramón Sánchez, with 15. Gabriel Peralta also stood out with nine points and 14 rebounds. Nonetheless, it wasn’t enough.

FIBA