Puerto Rico wins 11th Centrobasket gold

Puerto Rico is the Centrobasket 2016 champions after winning the showpiece contest over Mexico to take the gold. The country came through with an 83-84 success in Panama City, a victory born from the narrowest of margins. Title success means Puerto Rico wins its 11th Centrobasket gold, the most in the history of the competition and the nation’s first since 2010.

Since the 2010 success, Puerto Rico has had to endure two finals losses in 2012 and 2014. The last edition of Centrobasket in 2014 was significant this year as it was a repeat of the final two years ago. In that contest, home nation Mexico downed the Puerto Ricans in a cruising win, so this year brought sweet revenge for Puerto Rico.

There was no cruise to victory here though, although through halftime it looked like it could be. The first quarter was a high octane affair that saw both teams test the post regularly, but it was Puerto Rico who edged it with a 22-24 lead. Defending champs Mexico wilted in the second frame as Puerto Rico dropped 25 points to open a commanding 49-34 lead at the long break. The Mexicans poured in 29 points and stopped their opponents at 16 in a game righting third act, a rally that made it 65-63 through thirty minutes. The champions had the momentum and snatched the fourth quarter too, but Puerto Rico hung on in the closing seconds to claim the title.

Jose Juan Barea was a consistent attacking threat for the winners, claiming 17 points and handing out 9 scoring passes. Angel Daniel Vassallo followed with 14 points and Ramon Clemente hit 12 points.

Hector Hernandez topped Mexico with a game high 20 points, while he made it a double-double game with 10 rebounds. Paul Stoll went close to his own double with 14 points and 8 assists, while Juan Anderson added 11 points in the losing effort.