Puerto Rico visits Mexico in a vital match for both teams

MONTERREY (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) — One of the historic rivalries of the Caribbean zone will write a new chapter in what could very well define its near future.

The Puerto Rico and Mexico national teams will face each other on Friday evening, in the beginning of Group C’s second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers, in a game that will take place at Gimnasio Nuevo León in Monterrey. Puerto Ricans and Mexicans are tied for the second place of their group, with a 1-1 record, and Friday’s game is vital for their aspirations of going on to the next round of the Qualifiers.

In Mexico’s case, the Aztec squad began their path to the World Cup in China on November, with a slim victory against Cuba (72-66) but faced a wide loss days later when playing as visitors in the United States (91-55). Meanwhile, Puerto Rico could almost grasp the surprise, but fell before the Americans (85-78). Days later, they recovered in a victory against the Cubans (95-72) in Havana.

“We know what we have to improve in comparison with the November games. In the match against Cuba we attacked with a good system and rhythm and took all opportunities that came up at both sides of the court,” said Mexican small forward Juan Toscano, according to 20minutos.com.

The rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico has intensified during this decade. After years of Puerto Rican reign, the Mexicans have taken the victory home in most of their encounters against the Boricuas, with six wins in seven official games since 2013. Puerto Rico’s only victory was at the 2016 Centrobasket Final, thanks to a three-point shot by Ricardo Sanchez that gave the triumph to the islanders, 84-83.

“It doesn't matter how they're doing (the Mexicans), they’ll compete (against us). For them it's a serious rivalry,” pointed out Eddie Casiano, Puerto Rico's coach, in a recent interview for blog En la Pintura Deportes.

Mexico defined their roster two days before their encounter with Puerto Rico, and it seems to be even stronger when compared to the team that participated in November. For this occasion, the Mexican National Team will have shooting guard Álex Pérez and small forward Francisco “Paco” Cruz, who were key figures for the bronze medal obtained by the team in the most recent edition of FIBA AmeriCup.

For their part, Puerto Rico will have significant absences without shooting guards David Huertas and Mike Rosario, who are both out due to injuries. Veteran player Ángel Vassallo will also be missing from the Puerto Rican side, since he had to be cut from the shortlist due to the Influenza virus.

Although Mexico have dominated Puerto Rico recently, the Puerto Ricans keep their hopes up because of their antecedents. In official games played in Mexico, the Puerto Rico National Team have an 8-8 record against the Aztec squad, and 2-0 in encounters that have taken place in Monterrey. Nonetheless, the past is the past, and Friday's winners will take a vital step toward their World Cup aspirations for next year.

After Friday’s match, Puerto Rico will travel to Santa Cruz, California, to face the United States on Monday evening; while Mexico will play during the day in Havana against Cuba.

FIBA