PATILLAS (2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship) – Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic earned the right to play for the Gold-Medal of the 2016 Centrobasket U15 Championship after winning their Semi-Final match-ups. Mexico and Panama will play for Bronze at the last day of the regional tournament.

Costa Rica earned a spot in the fifth place game of the Centrobasket U15 Championship after defeating Guyana, 115-24. Costa Rica controlled the game from the get-go, establishing a commanding lead after winning the first quarter 37-4. Costa Rica kept producing and adding to their lead. The top scorer for Costa Rica was Jeaustin Solis with 31 points.

Dominicana earned a trip to the Gold Medal Match of the Centrobasket U15 Championship after defeating Mexico, 64-52, in the first Semi-Final of the regional tournament. Mexico won the first quarter by a difference of 2-points, but the team coached by Jose Mercedes dominated the second ten minutes of the match 29-13. Mexico kept fighting and cut the difference to 6 points during the second half. The Dominicans responded quickly and extended the lead back to double-digits. Led offensively by 17 points from Dereckjeter Mejia, the Dominicans took the win and the qualification to the Final.

Puerto Rico defeated Panama, 89-44, and qualified to the Gold-Medal Match of the 2016 Centrobasket U15 Championship. With great offensive effectiveness and suffocating defense, Puerto Rico took control of the scoreboard and the game from early-on. The Boricuas dominated the first half 48-20. Panama suffered on both sides of the court and the Boricuas took advantage with quick transition baskets. Puerto Rico kept adding and maintained its unbeaten record at the championship. The top performer for the Boricuas was Jermine Miranda with 19 points and 7 rebounds.

Tomorrow on the last day of the 2016 Centrobasket U15 Championship, Costa Rica will take on Trinidad and Tobago to determine fifth place of the championship. Meanwhile, on the Bronze Medal Match, Panama will take on Mexico and on the Centrobasket U15 Gold Medal Match, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic will add a new chapter to their Caribbean Classic.

As a result of their qualification to play for the gold of the Centrobasket U15 Championship, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic qualified for the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Mexico and Panama will play tomorrow for the last ticket to the continental championship.

FIBA