Panama's veterans dominate Paraguay in Day 1 of Group A

PANAMA CITY (Panama) – The battle of the veterans versus the up-and-coming talent proved that experience is an asset as Panama dominated Paraguay 81-54 on home court at Arena Roberto Durán, moving to a 2-3 record in a tough Group A.

 

Led by Ernesto Ogilvie, who has led Panama through the previous FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers, FIBA Americas Championships, and other events on the international stage, was a key for the success of Panama as the 33-year-old – on his birthday to top it off – tipped in a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds in Panama’s win in front of the home crowd.

A staple to Panama’s senior men’s national team, Ogilvie has his second straight double-double of the competition, but has scored in double digits in all five games Panama has played, and has stepped up on the rebounding side defensively to ensure Panama continues to see the winning results they want.

Alongside his greatness was 32-year-old point guard Trevor Gaskins, who had no shortage of poise, control and pace in his game as he had his best performance of the competition yet with the cheers of a Panama crowd fueling the team to a convincing win off the back of 17 points.

Javier Carter rounded out the trio of veteran talent that headlined the night for Panama as he added 12 points of his own, shooting over 62 percent from the floor including 5-of-7 shooting from field goal range good for 71 percent.

Panama’s win wasn’t exactly wire to wire after a shaky start, but the veteran leadership and game presence was exactly what allowed the team to find a rhythm shooting, as they landed 46 percent of shots as a team, moved the ball with purpose and played intense defense that Paraguay could not stop.

The intensity on defense not only allowed Panama to take easy baskets or move in transition to set up their offense with ease, but it gave the ability to slow the game down and control how it was played – when Panama wanted to be physical in the paint, they could, or they had the option to catch and shoot and get back down the floor.

While Paraguay’s young stars were certainly present on the court, as 24-year-old Juan Bautista Poisson Storm had his best showing in the competition yet with 9 points, Fernando Dose also stepped up to be the only scorer on the team in double digits with 12 points and 7 rebounds, his second in a row in the competition.

The difference in depth for the teams was also in experience, as the prominent players for Panama were more efficient off the ball, creating space and opportunity for their teammates, and finding ways to get to the rim with ease while protecting it on the other side of the court.

Paraguay’s youth allowed them a bit more athleticism, and gas in the tank as they continued to fight to the final whistle, even outscoring Panama in the final quarter, but their inability to adjust in the beginning of the game meant it was too late to try and find a win.

The two-way basketball that Panama brought from almost every player on the roster was the difference in their win, as the chemistry and longevity from the players on the bench whether it be a starter, or a reserve that helped contribute in the win.

Panama will now play Argentina on Jul. 3, who have a 4-1 record in Group A so far. Paraguay will look for their first win still as they play Venezuela the same day, who are also currently sitting at 4-1.

 

FIBA