POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Juan Suero
Group A
Colombia - U.S. Virgin Islands 82-72
Colombia outscored US Virgin Islands to celebrate the first win at the tournament. The hosts dominated in the first half. They recorded a comfortable 58:25 halftime lead. US Virgin Islands went on a strong comeback rally in the second half but could not rescue the game after all. Hansel Atencia (178-G-97) stepped up with 23 points for Colombia. Michaell Jackson (190-G-87) added 19 points for the hosts. Jamaal Samuel (206-F-93, college: La-Monroe, agency: Basket Management Solutions) replied with 16 points for US Virgin Islands.
Group B
Bahamas - Mexico 65-83
Mexico fired past Bahamas to open win count in Barranquilla. Jorge Gutierrez delivered 24 points to pace the winners. Mexico established a 45:27 halftime lead. They maintained the lead throughout the second half cruising to the win. Orlando Mendez-Valdez (175-PG-86, college: W.Kentucky, agency: Pro Sports) had 12 points in the victory. Jackson Jacob posted 13 points for Bahamas.
Cuba - Dominican Republic 71-74 OT
Dominican Republic toppled Cuba in the opener. Juan Miguel Suero (198-SG-93) stepped up with impressive 25 points, 16 rebounds and 10 blocks to lead the effort. Cuba piled up a comfortable 37:17 halftime lead. But Dominican Republic managed to deny the deficit in the second half and tied things up at 60 heading into extra period. Dominican Republic poured in 14 points in the overtime to ice the win. Jhonatan Araujo (208-C-96, agency: Basket Management Solutions) had 11 points for Dominican Republic. Osmel Oliva (178-PG-87) answered with 15 points for Cuba.
