J.J. Barea
FINAL
Mexico - Puerto Rico 83-84
Puerto
Rico waited for revenge almost 2 years and they finally get it. They
lose in final game in 2014 against Mexico but know, in 2016 they won it
and they won it in amazing and interesting game. Only by one point
margin they took the crown from Mexico and make it their owns. Game
started and both teams played really well. First quarter was finished
with +2 for Puerto Rico but in second quarter they have their own show.
They won second quarter with 25:12 and they go on well deserve break at
half time with +15 lead (49:34). Mexico showed how to respond to this
fast tempo of Puerto Rico and they won it 3rd period of the game with
+13 (29:16) and we have intense last 10 minutes of this tournament.
Unfortunately for Mexico, they victory in last quarter was not enough,
as they won it by only one point margin (20:19) and final result of the
game was 84:83 for Puerto Rico. It was pretty tied game all the way and
quality of both teams are on high level so we watched amazing 40 minutes
of CentroBasket basketball.
Best in winning team was Jose Juan Barea (183-PG-84, college: Northeastern) with 17 points and 9 rebounds, he was followed by Angel Daniel Vassallo (198-G/F-86, college: Virginia Tech) with 14 points. In losing team this team, best was Hector Hernandez (205-PF-85, college: Fresno St., agency: Pro Sports) with double double record (20pts + 10rbd), also Paul Stoll (180-PG-85) had good game with 14 points and 8 assists.
With this game over this is it for CentroBasket for 2016.
3-4 Place
Panama - Dominican Republic 48-64
In third place game on Centrobasket this year, Dominican Republic dominated entire game. They grabbed more then deserved victory over Panama in their last game on this tournament. Sadiel Rojas (193-G/F-89, college: Okla.Wesleyan) nipped 11 points for Dominican Republic, and Victor Liz (188-SG-86) helped him with 10. In Panama Jaime Lloreda (204-C/F-80, college: LSU) comes from the bench and helped Panama score 11 points and he catch 11 rebounds in losing team. From the very beginning Dominican Republic play their game, with 1st quarter win 20:5. In third period they just confirm great game and they well deserved 3rd place on this tournament and bronze medal around their necks.
