Virgin Islands finish fifth, qualify for Division A of World Cup qualifiers

PANAMA CITY (2016 Centrobasket Championship) - Virgin Islands defeated Cuba 95-70, ending up with the 5th place of the 2016 Centrobasket Championship and becoming the seventh team qualified to Division A of the 2017 FIBA New Competition System and Calendar that will in turn qualify to the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup hosted by China.

Turning Point: After a contested first half, Virgin Islands put up a 28-17 third quarter led by a versatile attack that included five players scoring in double figures.

Stats Don’t Lie: Virgin Islands’ bench scoring was too much for a Cuban attack that relied on the individual play of their point guard Yaser Rodriguez. Virgin Islands scored 37 bench points against only 23 from Cuba.

Game Hero: Walter Hodge led the way for Virgin Islands with a complete performance that included 19 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists in the victory.

The Bottom Line: Virgin Islands came close. The team had tough outings and losses against Semi-Finalists Mexico and Dominican Republic that ultimately cost them a chance at the medal round. But Virgin Islands was able to close their participation in the 2016 edition with a dominating performance that showed their elite level in Central American and Caribbean play.

Teams qualified to Division A of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers: Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, USA, Virgin Islands


FIBA