The Puerto Rican team won the AmeriCup 2022 ticket with a dramatic victory over the Bahamas in the last game of the third and final FIBA qualifier at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.
The Puerto Ricans dominated the Bahamians 102-97 in a hard-fought duel, where goalkeepers José Juan Barea, Shabazz Napier and Gian Clavell combined to score 74 points.
Barea and Collier scored 26 goals each, while Clavell, who will return to the Russian league on Sunday, had another great evening that contributed 22 points, 10 of which at the time Puerto Rico had the most. much needed.
Puerto Rico took the first half 52-48, but the third half was won by the Bahamas 79-70 with a set in which they dominated 31-18.
In the fourth half, Clavell’s figure reappeared, scoring seven points in a row (77-81) to give Puerto Rico a second wind.
Barea and Clavell combined for a tie at 84 with 6:46 remaining in the set.
Several defensive fouls brought Puerto Rico to the free throw line to maintain 90-88. Napier scored three points and then added a free throw for 94-88, leaving the stage open for a giant Barea güira who brought down the hosts 96-88 in front of the important victory.
“The Bahamas had a great game, but we managed to press and maintain control of the game. It was not easy. We have a great team that managed to commit in the end. We are happy for the victory,” said Barea after the victory. collected seven rebounds and distributed eight assists.
Puerto Rico joined Mexico and the United States as the three Group D teams to qualify for AmeriCup 2022, a 2023 World Cup qualifying event.
Michael Thompson and David Nesbitt were the best for the Bahamas with 21 and 13 points, respectively. Travis Munnings contributed 14 in the loss, recovered 7 balls and eliminated nine assists.