Panama defended their turf and still have options

PANAMA CITY (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019) — In a duel between national teams that were trying to keep their World Cup options open, Panama took the better part and continue to have hopes of qualifying for a spot at China 2019.

The Central American team defended their turf after when defeating Mexico on Thursday, 76-65, at their capital's Roberto Durán Arena, as part of the fifth window of the continental qualifiers to next year's World Cup.

Panama are now 4-5 in the qualifying stats and are fifth place in Group E; two games away from the third place that gives them the direct ticket to the FIBA Basketball World Cup — a spot that is currently occupied by Uruguay (6-3). Meanwhile, Mexico (3-6) are now at the bottom of the group and their aspirations of being at the World Cup event have practically vanished.

For Panama, Javier Carter was the most outstanding player, with 18 points and nine rebounds. He was followed by both Tony Bishop and Trevor Gaskins, with 14 units, eight rebounds and four assists each. Ernesto Oglivie also scored 14 points and recovered 10 rebounds.

Next Sunday, the Panamanians will face a life or death duel against Puerto Rico (5-4) in the second game between them in the Qualifiers. In the past window, the Boricuas left through the front door, 82-73, in San Juan.

Mexico only had two players that were double figures in the offense: Álex Pérez led the Mexican attack with 18 points and six rebounds. Juan Toscano managed 12 more and six rebounds. Mexico were out of tune, throwing a low 30.9% from the field and 55.6% in free throws.

The Mexican team, with very few options to advance to the World Cup, will play on Sunday at La Rioja’s Superdomo against locals Argentina — who are trying to seal their World Cup participation.

Panama entered the final quarter with a 59-54 advantage and, in less than two minutes, widened the gap to 64-54, with 8:25 left of action.

Both teams’ offenses weren't to be found in the following minutes. A free throw by Carlos Pérez and a two-pointer by Toscano allowed for what seemed a closing-in by Mexico, 64-57, with 5:17 left on the clock.

Hostilities stayed the same in the following possessions, with Panama failing comfortable shots and Mexico with no long-distance aim.

After a requested time- off, Oglivie allowed the Panamanians to breathe with a three-point play and established a greater difference, 67-58, with 2:01 to play. Mexico couldn’t do much more down the road and a slam-dunk by Carter drove the crowd wild, 74-61, with 12 seconds left to conclude the encounter.

Mexico and Panama will face once again on February 25, 2018, in Mexican soil, in the conclusion of the Qualifiers.

FIBA