(SAN JUAN) Puerto Rico — Former NBA champion and Dallas Maverick J.J Barea scored 19 points in the second half of Puerto Rico’s 102-97 win against the Bahamas to qualify for the 2022 AmeriCup tournament.

Both teams went back and forth during the first quarter. Each time Puerto Rico (3-3) scored the Bahamas answered. After J.J. Barea’s buzzer beater to end the quarter, Puerto Rico began the second quarter hot from beyond the arc. The team shot 50 percent from the three in the first half.

Yet, Mychal Thompson kept it close for the Bahamas as he scored 15 points on 6 for 10 shooting in the first half. There were 20 lead changes alone in the first half. Former NBA point guard Shabazz Napier and forward Glen Clavell finished the half for Puerto Rico with 14 points apiece.

Down by four, the Bahamas came out with a lot of energy in the third quarter, quickly tying it up and taking a three-point lead two minutes into the quarter. Both teams continued to shoot efficiently as both shot an average 50 percent from the field. Barea scored 11 points alone in the third quarter.

The Bahamas’ great third quarter built themselves a nine-point cushion, but their lead quickly dissipated. Barea stepped up in the fourth quarter as Puerto Rico came back from a nine-point deficit to tie up the game at 85 with 6:46 remaining in the game. Clavell shot a perfect 8 for 8 from the three and only missed one shot from the field. He contributed 26 points for Puerto Rico.

Despite the strong third quarter, The Bahamas was ultimately plagued by turnovers while Puerto Rico was able to take advantage and go out in transition to score 31 fast break points.

With four minutes remaining, Napier hit a clutch three that sealed the deal for Puerto Rico. He finished the game with 22 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds while Barea contributed 26 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds. Thompson led the Bahamas with 21 points.

The Bahamas fall to 1-5 and fail to qualify for the 2022 AmeriCup out of Group D.

FIBA