Havana, Nov 23 (ACN) Cuba defeated Bahamas 76-62 this Friday in the first match of group D of the second window of the FIBA Americup 2025 qualifiers, with the stage at the Ciudad Deportiva coliseum of this capital, where the hosts showed great defense.
For the Cuban team, Yoanqui Mensia from Sancti Spiritus stood out, who scored 17 points and obtained eight rebounds, and Reynaldo García, who stole three of the eight balls recovered by the locals.
Mensia, a 27-year-old forward, earned the seal of best player in the second match of the qualifier in the Caribbean archipelago, adding the most points and rebounds of the game.
In addition, he was second in assists for the host team, only behind Reynaldo García, who assisted a teammate on three occasions.
The basketball players with professional contracts in Asia and Europe, Reynaldo García (11 points), Tito Casero (12 points) and the Cuban captain in this call Howard Sant-Roos (12 points), contributed double digits to the offense and led the way in three-point shots, Casero leading with a trio of hits from the perimeter.
After a brilliant start by the Creole squad, in which they established a difference of nine units with a score of 14 to five in the first six minutes, the hoop was closed for the hosts, in such a way that they accumulated 10 possessions without achieving convert points.
Bahamas showed strength under the paint, they took advantage of many divided balls, but the size of the team led by Onel Planas was able to lead those from the Greater Antilles to control the match through intensity, order and sacrifice.
“Our philosophy is defense, what distinguishes us, the courage of this group was decisive once again for the victory,” said technical director (DT) Planas after the game; who also congratulated his team for having a “wonderful third quarter,” which they won 22 to 17.
This was achieved thanks to the support of young people of change such as Ibrahím Hechavarría, Marlon Díaz and Michel Espinoza, according to the Guantanamo coach.
Only two Bahamians managed to score double digits in the clash that left the Anglo-Saxon language speakers with a balance of one victory and two losses in group D, they were the players Rasahad Davis and Tavario Miller, who scored 17 points each.
On the other hand, point guard Tito Casero, who wears the colors
of the Okapi Aalstar of Belgium, asserted in front of the microphones that the basketball axiom that states that “when a team defends the baskets they go in” was fulfilled.
The skilled point guard also dedicated the victory to those absent in the window heading to the 2025 Americas Cup, Jasiel Rivero, Karel Guzmán and center Yoel Cubillas.
Regarding the possible arrival of Cubillas to Havana for the upcoming qualifying match, on Monday against number 15 in the world ranking, Puerto Rico, Onel Planas asserted that the striker from Villa Clara is waiting to receive residency in the country where he plays. as a professional, El Salvador.
In this regard, he explained that this only depends on the delivery in these three days of the legal document to be able to land in the Cuban capital.
In the second game of this group, the United States crushed the Puerto Rican team 108-66, so the American team and Cuba lead section D with two victories and a loss with three challenges remaining each in the FIBA Americas Cup qualifier.
