PATILLAS (2017 FIBA Americas U16) – The Dominican Republic and Panama secured spots on the Semi-Finals of the Centrobasket U15 Championship after capturing victories in the second day of the regional tournament. Mexico debuted at the championship with a victory, after fending off a tough challenge from Costa Rica.

The second day of the 2016 Centrobasket Championship began with Group B action when the Dominican Republic captured another impressive victory over Guyana. The Dominicans exceled from the get-go holding the opponent to just one point during the first quarter. The team coached by Jose Mercedes kept producing and headed to the victory. With the win, the Dominicans secured a spot in the Semi-Finals of the 2016 Centrobasket U15 Championship. The top scorer for the Dominicans was Valdes with 23 units.

In a tightly contested match-up against Trinidad and Tobago, Panama held on to the lead to capture its second win of the tournament and secure a spot at the Semi-Finals. Panama won the first half by a difference of six-points, but it was at the conclusion of the third quarter that the Panamanians expanded to a 15-point lead. Trinidad and Tobago won the fourth quarter 34-29, but Panama kept the lead and the win. The top scorer for Panama was Lopez with 33 points.

Mexico debuted at the Centrobasket U15 Championship with a victory after defeating Costa Rica, 95-66. Costa Rica won the first half by a difference of two points, but the second half belonged to the Mexico. The Mexicans won the third quarter by 11 points and then went on to dominate the fourth quarter, 33-12. The top scorer for the Mexicans was Cruz with 23 points.

Tomorrow on the last day of Group Play, the Dominicans and Panamanians will play to determine the top of Group B, meanwhile Puerto Rico and Mexico will match-up to determine the best team of Group A. In the other game of the day, Guyana will face Trinidad and Tobago, both teams are in search of their first victory.

FIBA