VALDIVIA (Chile) - The national teams of Chile (2-0) and Cuba (2-0) clinched their places in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers after picking up wins in the second day of Group B action in the Pre-Qualifiers, against El Salvador (0-2) and Ecuador (0-2), respectively. This Sunday, in the final day of Group B play at the Coliseo Antonio Azurmendi in Valdivia, Chile and Cuba will face each other to determine the group leader. The winner will advance to Group C of the Americas Qualifiers, while the runner-up will be placed in Group D. Here’s how Day 2 unfolded:
El Salvador 47 - 98 Chile
Chile started controlling the game in the first half and had no trouble defeating El Salvador. The host team went into halftime with a 33-point lead (47-14), allowing its opponent only six field goals in the opening two quarters. For the second night in a row, the Chilean squad showcased its perimeter offense, hitting 18 three-pointers in 45 attempts (40 percent). Nicolás Carvacho led the way with 15 points in a balanced attack in which all 12 players scored. The big man, who plays professionally in Poland, came up just one rebound shy of a double-double. Also standing out for Chile were Sebastián Suárez and Sebastián Herrera, with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
El Salvador, which shot just 28 percent from the field, had Brayan García (14 points) and Marquise Mosley (12) reach double figures for the team.
Ecuador 69 - 79 Cuba
Jasiel Rivero carried Cuba to victory over Ecuador. The center showcased his credentials and European basketball experience (he recently signed with Crvena Zvezda Belgrade) and was highly efficient, scoring 29 points on 13-for-20 shooting from the field. He also grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.
For Ecuador, which led 37-30 at halftime and stayed ahead until midway through the third quarter, Jordan Cárdenas stood out with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Sunday’s final day of the Pre-Qualifiers: Chile vs. Cuba – 7:00 p.m. (local time) El Salvador vs. Ecuador – 9:30 p.m.
FIBA