VALDIVIA (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019) — For the Dominican Republic, these World Cup Qualifiers have had their ups and downs.

The Caribbean squad started off these continental qualifiers with strength, with four consecutive triumphs (all by double digits), and then fell into a dangerous zone with four defeats in five games; including two one-point losses. One of them, at home against an eliminated Bahamian team; and then against Venezuela, in the overtime.

In the fifth window, the squad led by Melvyn López, after a defeat against Brazil, caught a breath of fresh air with a victory at home against Chile that has left them at the doorsteps of their second and back-to-back World Cup qualification, which would also be the third in their history.

For the sixth and last qualifying window to China 2019, the Dominicans will try to seal the deal with local games against Venezuela (February 21) and Brazil (February 24). If they win both encounters, the Dominican Republic will reach the most important stage in international basketball, just like they did in 1978 (Philippines) and 2014 (Spain). Even dividing the results, the options the Quisqueyanos still have to compete in the Asian country are still good.

“Now we're in a better position and we're ready to continue forward in our objective of going to the World Cup,” said shooting guard-small forward Rigoberto Mendoza to El Día after their victory against Chile.

Rigoberto Mendoza

Certainly, the Dominican Republic are in a very good position to grab one of the three places that are still available to the Americas. After 10 games, the Dominican Republic (6-4) are fourth in Group F, a game away from Brazil (7-3) -- who occupy the third and last place that gives a direct ticket to the FIBA World Cup. However, if the World Cup were today, the Caribbean squad would be qualified because they have the greatest point difference (+61), 23 more than their Puerto Rican counterparts (6-4), who occupy the fourth place in Group E.

The Dominican Republic went into the game in Chile with consecutive defeats as visitors in Venezuela and Brazil. The national team's coach was satisfied for the job done, but at the same time keeps his sights sets on the qualification.

“The goal was to leave focused for this great commitment and the guys perfectly did what we planned,” said López.

Melvyn Lopez

Mendoza and Liz have been the Dominican Republic’s constant figures in the Qualifiers, both wearing the national jersey in the ten games that have been played. Liz leads the offense with 14.4 points, with 55.6% in two-pointers; while Mendoza contributes 10.9 points per game, 3.5 rebounds and throws a 45.7% in three-pointers.

To achieve their goal of being at China 2019, the Dominican Republic still have the possibility at their grasp. It's very possible that, in February, the celebrate big a new qualification and end the Qualifiers with the same energy they started them with a year ago.

FIBA