PUR – Puerto Ricans’ Centrobasket clash with Mexico postponed

SANTO DOMINGO (2010 Centrobasket) - Puerto Rico were hoping to get their preparations for the FIBA World Championship back on track after their upset defeat against Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday at the Centrobasket but their clash with Mexico 24 hours later was postponed due to poor conditions inside the Palacio de Deportes.

Moisture on the court wreaked havoc during Wednesday's game between the US Virgin Islands and Panama.

The Virgin Islands, after numerous delays, won 82-74 but organizers decided to suspend play for the rest of the day.

Panama complained about the situation as some of their players, including Jaime Lloreda, slipped and fell to the hardwood.

"You cannot play here," said Panama coach David Rosario.

"Four players have fallen and it's dangerous. It's been rather difficult to play in the second half."

Organizers believe faulty air conditioning units were to blame.

The technical director of the FIBA Americas, Anibal Garcia, said on Wednesday night: "They're making the promise that the air conditioning will be ready tonight so hopefully for tomorrow, that will be the solution to the problem."

There were stoppages of play in the Puerto Ricans' game on Tuesday because of a leaking roof and a power outage.

The top four sides at the Centrobasket qualify for the FIBA Americas Championship.

FIBA