MEX - Mexico won the COCABA Championship:

CANCUN (COCABA Championship/FIBA Americas Championship) - Mexico won the 2009 COCABA Championship after beating Belize 106-103 in the Gold medal game played at Poliforum Benito Juárez.

A flagrant foul by Keenan Jourdon against Horacio Llamas sent him to the line to break the 103-103 tie after two free throws with 27 seconds left. Then Gustavo Ayon went to the line in the next play to secure a three point lead.

The Mexicans finished the first quarter down 31-28 but reacted in the second to finish up 54-45. Romel Beck had 15 points and Noe Alonzo 11 at the half.

Belize had a great third period and took the lead 78-77 but in the final quarter the Mexicans made another run with better execution and dominance in the paint.

In the win Romel Beck had 26 points and Noe Alonzo 21. In the loss Marlon Garnett netted 43 points.

"We are at a new stage in Mexican basketball, we are now going for big things and everything begins in Cancun with the COCABA Championship," said Mexican NT head coach, Arturo Guerrero.

Mexico will play a couple of warm up games in Distrito Federal against Argentina and Uruguay prior to the FIBA Americas Championship.

Panama, who will also be in the FIBA Americas Championship, beat Costa Rica 86-69 to finish third in the tournament. Joel Muñoz had 24 points and Leo Pomare 18 for the winners.

After being down 36-31 at half, Panama reacted led by Muñoz and Danilo Pinnock to get the win. The second half was for Panama 55-33.

FIBA Americas