MONTERREY (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) — With an excellent collective game and an inspired Gary Browne, the Puerto Rico National Team added an important win that gives them some breathing space and confidence in their objective of qualifying to another FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Guided by Browne’s phenomenal game, Puerto Rico knocked-out Mexico in the first quarter and never lost control of the game, winning 100-80 in the encounter celebrated at Gimnasio Nuevo León Unido in Monterrey, as part of Group C’s action in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

The Boricuas gave no chance to the Mexicans on neither side of the court, and in the first quarter moved to the front with a 19-point lead, 30-11. Browne, coming in from the bench, was the islanders’ fiery spark, and contributed nine points in the first segment. As a matter of fact, Puerto Rico showed quite a collaborative game in the first 10 minutes, with 9 assists, which set the tone for the rest of the game.

Thanks to Francisco “Paco” Cruz’s contributions, Mexico stayed in the game in the third quarter, with differences that varied between eight and 10 points. However, Puerto Rico gave the final blow in the decisive quarter and once again established a comfortable difference, 89-71, and silenced the Mexican fans that overflowed the arena at Monterrey.

Puerto Rico now have a 2-1 record in Group C and are moving at a steady pace toward their game on Monday against United States in Santa Cruz, California. Meanwhile, Mexico fell 1-2 and will visit Cuba at Havana in a game that could be either life or death for their Basketball World Cup aspirations.

Brown led Puerto Rico's offense, with 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists in his first game for the Caribbean side since the 2015 Pan American Games. Emmanuel Andújar added 18 points with six assists, while Jorge Bryan Díaz did 11, and Ricardo Sánchez and Chris Gastón scored 10 each.

Puerto Rico showcased their collective game when dominating in rebounds 39-27, in assists 25-15, and only losing the ball on nine occasions.

For the losing side, Cruz was México's best, with 32 points and seven rebounds. Paul Stoll and Alex Pérez attained 14 points each for a Mexican squad that could never find themselves in the court because of the other team’s pressure.

Puerto Rico strongly started the encounter with an intense defense and collective offensive game. Browne shone coming in from the bench with nine points and added to Díaz’s nine; leaving local fans astounded after reaching a 19-point advantage on their way to winning the first segment, 30-15.

For the second period, Mexico elevated their game level because the Puerto Ricans lowered their intensity a bit, also because of Cruz's effectiveness —he ended the first half with 18 points, to reduce the locals’ distance 49-39 before taking the break.

The Boricuas had a marvelous first half after achieving 14 assists and only losing the ball four times.

FIBA