Jamaica’s senior males’s basketball group made a strong assertion of their opening recreation of the FIBA Americas World Cup pre-qualifiers Friday, dismantling Barbados 101-79 in Mexico.
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From the opening tip to the ultimate buzzer, the Rick Martin-coached squad held management, delivering an authoritative efficiency that units a assured tone for the event forward.
Thomas and Gill lead the cost
Ahead Romaine Thomas was on the coronary heart of Jamaica’s dominance, handing over an entire efficiency with 20 factors, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Equally imposing was Romario Gill, who imposed himself within the paint with 19 factors, 11 rebounds, and 4 emphatic blocks.
Jamaica’s offense fired on a number of cylinders—Kenton Facey chipped in with 15 factors, Norman Powell added 12, and Giovanni Frazer contributed 10—guaranteeing Barbados had no single risk to focus on.
Wire-to-wire management
The Jamaicans wasted no time in seizing the momentum, surging to a 36–23 lead after the primary quarter. By halftime, their benefit had grown to 54–40, the ball motion sharp and defensive rotations crisp.
Even when Barbados sought to rally within the third quarter, Jamaica held agency, sustaining a double-digit cushion to guide 78–67 heading into the ultimate interval. Within the closing minutes, the Reggae Hoopsters accelerated as soon as extra, outscoring their Caribbean rivals convincingly to safe a 22-point triumph.
Barbados’ lone vivid spots
For Barbados, Kyrone Alexander stood out as the sport’s high scorer, pouring in 28 factors and grabbing 9 rebounds. Akeem Marsh offered strong help with 16 factors, however the group struggled to include Jamaica’s inside-out assault and bodily dominance on the boards.
With one win already secured, Jamaica turns their consideration to their second project—a showdown in opposition to Costa Rica Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Jamaica time. A victory there would additional solidify their place within the qualifiers and construct momentum towards a possible World Cup berth.
