Martinez, Garcia feeding off each other to power Dominican Republic

BILBAO (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Jack Martinez and Francisco Garcia headed into the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup expected to be the leaders of the Dominican Republic's campaign. So far, the two veterans have done exactly that.

Garcia had an explosive game on the offensive end in Sunday's win over New Zealand, leading the way with 29 points, hitting five of his seven attempts from three-point range as part of an overall 11-of-15 shooting display.

The first to applaud that effort was Martinez.

"I'm very happy. Very, very happy," he gushed in praise.

"I'm the captain of the team. I want everybody on the team to do well. And I'm very happy whenever anybody does something for this flag (pointing to his jersey).

Martinez went on to explain the chemistry he shares with Garcia.

"We are very good friends and understand each other very well. We are like brothers. We understand that we are the two leaders of this team. And we got to take the team in the right way.

"He had a great game. He was hitting some good open threes, helping us in the defense and doing some great rebounds."

Garcia was less elaborate with words but was equally appreciative.

"He's a great player. He's a great friend of mine," he said of Martinez.

"We play very well together. He's a great passer and a fantastic leader."

Dominican Republic coach Orlando Antigua had praise for both players.

"Garcia had a great offensive game but I think defensively they played very well together. Jack came in made some good shots. But together they held the team together very well," he said.

After a day off on Monday, the Dominican Republic resume their Group C play against Finland on Tuesday.

FIBA