DOM/PAN - Dominican Republic obtain first win over Panama

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Dominican Republic had a great defensive performance in the third quarter, leaving Panama with just ten points, to get their first win in the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship by the score of 100-87.

Danilo Pinnock led Panama in the first half, scoring 13 points in the first and 12 in the second quarter to totalize 25 points by shooting 8-14 from the field, including five three pointers and four free throws. His offense along with Jaime Lloreda, who had 10, gave Panama a 50-48 lead. The Dominicans stayed in the game thanks to ten three pointers, most of them scored by Francisco Garcia who netted 16 points.

In the third quarter, head coach Julio Toro asked for more intensity on the defensive side and they started with a 17-4 run in the first six minutes and finished up 76-60. Pinnock only scored 2 points in that segment.

Panama came back in the final quarter with an 8-0 run, led by Jamar Warren, Gino Pomare and Jaime Lloreda to put it 90-85 with 2:02 left, but they could not continue the rally and on the other side Luis Flores and Al Horford sealed the game with two baskets in penetrations.

Francisco Garcia led the Dominicans with 27 points while Luis Flores followed 21 and Charlie Villanueva 15 points and 10 boards.

Pinnock netted 27 points (25 in the first half) and Jaime Lloreda had 19 points with 14 rebounds.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

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