With a devastating streak of three-pointers, led by Jean Montero and an intense collective defense, the Dominican Republic beat Panama 93-67 and thus came much closer to the World Cup goal.
Montero finished with 17 points, in 18 minutes of action, including five triples. Ángel Delgado had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, Gelvis Solano and Andrés Feliz each scored 7 points and provided 3 assists. Gerardo Suero also finished in double figures, with 12 points. The only one who did not score for the Dominican was Juan Guerrero.
For Panama, Ernesto Oglivie finished with 15 points, Josimar Ayarza scored 11 and Tony Bishop Jr. added 10.
The last quarter was the difference
The Dominican team dominated the last quarter 29-9, showing superiority on the boards and much effectiveness in shooting behind the arc, scoring shots from that area.
Jean Montero scored 11 points in the period, thanks to three three-pointers. Suero and Feliz scored another long distance basket each.
Those led by Néstor -Che- García place their record at 8-3 and are one step away from the 2023 World Cup, with just one game left in the qualifier.
The tricolor squad that started the game with Eloy Vargas, Ángel Delgado, Víctor Liz, Rigoberto Mendoza and Andrés Feliz, dominated the first set 20-14. Liz opened the hoop for the Dominican, with the first 4 points. Rigoberto Mendoza led the offense in the period with 5 points, he was accompanied offensively by Ángel Delgado and Eloy Vargas, with 4 points each.
The team took an 11-point lead in the second quarter, remaining 5:51 with a layup by Gerardo Suero, who added a point from the free throw line. They dominated Panama 10-5 in that stretch.
Then the Panamanians took advantage of the Dominican losses and reacted with a 20-8 rally, to go to halftime ahead 39-38. The best in the first half for the Dominican Republic were Ángel Delgado and Jean Montero with 6 points each. Néstor García used all 12 players in the first part of the game.
For Panama, Tony Bishop Jr. and Eric Romero stood out, with 6 units.
The Dominican Republic will face Argentina next Sunday the 26th at 8:10 p.m. (Dominican time) at the Islas Malvinas Stadium in Mar de Plata of the South American nation, where they could ensure their qualification for the World Cup in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia .