PANAMA CITY (Panama) – Panama secured their place in the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers on Thursday with an 83-70 victory over Cuba at Arena Roberto Durán in Panama City. The win improved Panama’s record to 2-3, enough to clinch qualification for the next stage. The Central Americans advanced by defeating their direct Group D rival, Cuba, in both meetings. Back in Window 2, they had already earned an 84-81 victory over the Caribbean side. In both wins, Panama’s perimeter shooting played a decisive factor. On Thursday night, the hosts connected on 13 three-pointers. Ricardo Lindo (4) and Trevor Gaskins (4) combined for 8 shots from beyond the arc. In their February 27 matchup, Panama buried 12 three-pointers, including 4 by Luis Rodríguez Jr. Iverson Molinar averaged 22 points across the two meetings, while Eric Romero anchored the defense with a combined 6 blocks and 20 rebounds.
"This is my second window, and I feel we were able to build on many of the positive things from the previous one. The three-point shot is one of the most important weapons in modern basketball, and with this group of players we were much more efficient from beyond the arc," said Panama head coach, Puerto Rican Nelson Colón. "The level of competition will be even higher in the Second Round. There were players who couldn't join us this time, and hopefully they'll be available for the next windows because we're going to need them. If we can get everyone together, I'm confident we can qualify for the World Cup in convincing fashion," the coach added.
The stat
This was just Panama's third victory in their last 12 FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers games. All three wins have come on home court.
What's next
Panama will close out Window 3 in Panama City on Sunday, July 5, against Argentina (4-1). Meanwhile, Cuba (0-5), will conclude their campaign that same day in Montevideo against Uruguay (4-1).
FIBA