SAN JUAN (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019) — Sunday night, the first part of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers lived one of its most dramatic games with the locals using the superiority of their people’s support in their favor.

In front of a Roberto Clemente Coliseum that was overflowing with people, the Puerto Rico National Team defeated, 84-79, their Mexican counterparts in the end of the first round of the Americas’ Group C.

Like this, Puerto Rico ended second in their group with a 4-2 mark, while Mexico ended 3-3. Both teams, alongside the United States (5-1) are the qualified teams of this section for the following stage of the windows that begin in September. Cuba (0-6), however, were eliminated.

The Puerto Ricans showcased their distance throws with 13 three-pointers, besides executing 23 assists, with only six losses.

“We moved the ball, we didn’t give up in the defense. Mexico is a great team. We united in a brief amount of time. We shone in the moment of truth. This puts us in a better position to qualify for the Basketball World Cup,” pointed out Eddie Casiano, Puerto Rico's coach, in the press conference after the game.

David Huertas and Gian Clavell led the Puerto Ricans’ attack with 17 points each, and together made nine of the 13 3PTs achieved by the team. José Juan Barea made a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists, while Ramón Clemente added 12 units.

“This is a very special moment. I’ve played in the NBA final, with Puerto Rico in different parts around the world, but this experience, tonight, is very special for me. For us. For my family. Playing in Puerto Rico... There are no words. I hope we can do this again,” said, for his part, Barea.

As for Mexico, Francisco “Paco” Cruz outstood with 22 points. Gustavo Ayón added 13 points and recovered 15 rebounds.

“This has been an intense game. We have witnessed two teams that wish to win because they know that the World Cup qualification is at stake. At first, we weren’t aggressive in the outside defense,” said Iván Déniz, Mexico’s coach.

The first 30 minutes were purely equal, with Puerto Rico coming in the final segment with a small advantage of 62-61.

Mexico silenced the public with five consecutive points, 66-62, in their largest lead in the game.

However, Gian Clavell had one of his best games since he’s worn the Puerto Rican National Team uniform, and with two consecutive 3-pointers, Puerto Rico regained control, 73-68.

Cruz brought the Mexicans closer, but then Barea started to lead Puerto Rico’s game and with two alley-oops to Clemente, the thousands of fans attending the game cheered, 79-73, with 3:37 of game action.

The pressure injected by the fans was tremendous —for years there was nothing like this felt at the Clemente. After a personal foul due to a reaction that one of the officials didn't like, Huertas received a technical foul, generating outcries by the public. Then, the fans, who were all standing up, started to chant at the top of their lungs —and the pressure was effective. Between Juan Toscano, Cruz and Gustavo Ayón, they failed four out of five free throws, a fact that left the Mexicans without oxygen.

“The house matters too much. I think that the public today was incredible. The fans surprised me today. They were immense. That’s what’s beautiful about the windows; the opportunity to play at home and the fans live the moment just like we do,” Cruz underlined.

Ayón brought Mexico closer, 81-76, but in the next round, Barea went in with no opposition, with 35 points, and left the game 83-75, thus calming the Puerto Rican public.

Cruz managed a 3-point shot, but Mexico fell short of their intentions of dethroning Puerto Rico at home.

Energized by their public, Puerto Rico began the game with Huertas ready for the distance throws. Two consecutive 3-pointers by the small forward gave Puerto Ricans the advantage, 12-9. Later, Ángel Rodríguez penetrated, assisted Jorge Bryan Díaz, and with another 3-pointer by Huertas, the local team kicked off, 20-11.

Cruz closed in the game for Mexico, 23-18, but a 2-pointer by Clemente finished the quarter in Puerto Rico’s favor, 25-18.

The Puerto Ricans’ aim continued during the second segment, as did their aggresiveness on the other side of the court. In the defensive game, Ricardo Sánchez seemed to hit Ayón, who questioned the Puerto Rican and provoked that the fans get in the game. In the next possession, Sánchez achieved a four-point play because of a foul by Ayón. This caused a deafning sound in the Coliseum while Puerto Rico positioned themselves 31-26.

The locals continued with their joyful game. Consecutive goals by Gian Clavell and Clemente gave the greater advantage of the half to Puerto Rico, 40-29.

Mexico tightened their defense in the 3-point line and recovered their offense. Orlando Méndez scored to close the difference, 42-36. The Puerto Ricans took the half, 44-39, thanks in part because they threw 7/13 in 3PTs and handed 13 assists.

The visitors responded strongly in the third quarter. Although Huertas stayed in the game and gave life to the locals, 49-42, it was a 3-point play by Toscano that placed Mexico in the minimum difference, 49-48.

Puerto Rico began the segment a bit slowly but kept their distance shots. Barea and Gian Clavell burned the net with three-pointers, but Gabriel Girón followed suit with a 3PT that left the marker, 62-61, in favor of the Puerto Ricans after 30 minutes.

The third quarter was very physical by both teams. Mexico seemed to be in control, but the marker didn't seem to agree. Puerto Rico continued to fight despite their offensive falling 18 points when the segment ended.

FIBA