SANTO DOMINGO (Centrobasket U17 Championship) – With their victories in the Semi-Finals of the Centrobasket U17 Championship, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic earned the right to play for the gold-medal of the regional competition and qualified to the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018.

In a thrilling and exciting game, Puerto Rico had to come from behind to defeat Panama 59-56 and secure a trip to the Finals of the Centrobasket U17 Championship. Panama had a better start, Puerto Rico had to play catch-up throughout the entire first half. The teams evened their output and the game was a give and take. Panama’s 26 turnover allowed Puerto Rico more opportunities, and the Boricuas took full advantage. Puerto Rico’s bench provided 30 of the team’s points in comparison from just 3 from Panama’s substitutions. A 17-9 fourth quarter for the Boricuas secured the win and the qualification. Luis Rolon was the best for Puerto Rico with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Dominican Republic captured a dominant win over Mexico 106-71, to earn the right to play in the Final of the Centrobasket U17 Championship. The Dominicans imposed their rhythm from the start, and climbed away on the scoreboard, against a Mexican team that couldn’t match-up in the paint. The host won the battle for the boards comfortably and kept adding to the difference. Mexico discounted, but the Dominicans always answered back. David Jones was the top performer for the Dominicans after summing a 18-point and 13-rebound “double-double”.

On the Reclassification Round of the Centrobasket U17 Championship, Jamaica defeated Guyana and Virgin Islands defeated Bahamas, and earned the right to play for the fifth place of the regional championship. Bahamas and Guyana will play for seventh place.

Tomorrow on the last day of the Centrobasket U17 Championship:
7th place game – Bahamas vs. Guyana
5th place game – Virgin Islands vs. Jamaica
Bronze-Medal Game – Panama vs. Mexico
Gold-Medal Game – Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic secured tickets to next year’s FIBA U18 Americas Championship in St. Catharines, Canada. The winner of the Bronze Medal will get the last ticket available to the continental championship.

FIBA