ZACATECAS (Mexico) – For the Mexican National Team, Friday’s game was mission accomplished. After a slow start, Omar Quintero’s guys took control late in the second quarter with a 9-0 run before blowing it open in the second half, defeating Nicaragua 98-79 at Gimnasio Marcelino González. The win allowed Mexico (3-2) to secure a spot in the Second Round, getting past a tough Group A that also featured the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Despite recently drafted Karim López being unavailable this window and veteran Paul Stoll not seeing any action, the squad was able to impose their will in the paint and hit enough outside shots to win.
Yahir Bonilla was simply spectacular, uncorking one of the 10 best individual performances in the history of the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers.
His 36-efficiency rating is tied for the second best in the competition after going off for 25 points, 12rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. The 23-year-old forward shot 11-for-17 from the field and got 10 of his 25 points in the pivotal second quarter. Big man Joseph Ávila added a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double, Moisés Andriassi and Pako Cruz generated 14 points apiece and veteran shooter Gabriel Girón added another 11.
Mexico shot 50.7 percent from the field and outscored Nicaragua 56-42 in the paint. The 28-14 edge in transition points was another key factor in the win. Nicaragua (0-5) failed to get their first win of the competition and were eliminated despite fearless performances from veterans like Jared Ruiz (19 points and 8 rebounds), Eden Ewing (13 points and 7 rebounds) and even some promising newcomers. Teenagers David Watson and Joost West scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, giving Mauricio Casamajor Jr.’s team a boost and showing they’re ready to be key contributors going forward. Mexico will host the United States on Monday, while Nicaragua will visit the Dominican Republic. The results will determine the final standings in Group A.
FIBA