Centrobasket U15 C’ship tips off with wins for Dominican Republic, Panama and hosts Puerto Rico

PATILLAS (2017 FIBA Americas U16) – The first day of the 2016 Centrobasket U15 Championship handed victories to the National Teams of the Dominican Republic, Panama and the host Puerto Rico.

The Dominican Republic started its participation in the regional tournament with an impressive and telling victory over Trinidad and Tobago. The Dominicans controlled the game from the get-go after going away on the scoreboard with a 26-8 first quarter. The team coached by Jose Mercedes kept adding to the already established lead, with clear dominance from the painted area; the Dominicans scored 90 of their points from the paint and outrebounded the opponent 62-34. The game belonged to the Dominicans, 122-65.

The top scorer for the game-winners was Rodriguez with 18 points.

Panama debuted at the Centrobasket U15 Championship with a 101-24 win over Guyana. Panama controlled the proceedings from the opening tip, after escaping on the scoreboard. The Central Americans kept adding to the difference on the scoreboard after winning the first half 53-15. Panama kept adding on their way to the dominating victory.

The best scorer for the Panamanians was Lopez with 24 points.

The Centrobasket U15 host debuted with a win over Costa Rica, 84-45. After struggling on the first quarter, Puerto Rico stepped up on defense and found another level on offense to dominate the second quarter 30-2. Costa Rica kept fighting and won the third quarter, but the Boricuas kept producing on the fourth quarter and headed to the victory.

The top scorer for the Puerto Ricans was Curbelo with 21 points.

Tomorrow on the second day of the Centrobasket U15 Championship, Guyana will take on the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago will face Panama and Mexico will debut in the tournament when they match-up against Costa Rica.

FIBA