The Puerto Rican team captured the ticket to the AmeriCup 2022 with a dramatic victory over the Bahamas in the last game of the third and final FIBA qualifying window held at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.
The Boricuas dominated 102-97 to the Bahamians in a duel fight where the owners Jose Juan Barea, Shabazz Napier and Gian Clavell combined to score a whopping 74 points.
Barea and Collier sneaked 26 points each, while Clavell, who will return to the Russian league on Sunday, had another great night by contributing 22 units, 10 of them at the time Puerto Rico needed it most. .
Puerto Rico took the first half 52-48, but the third half was won by the Bahamas 79-70 with a partial in which it largely dominated 31-18.
In the fourth half the figure of Clavell reappeared who scored seven points in succession (77-81) to give a second air to Puerto Rico.
Barea and Clavell combined to cause a tie at 84 with 6:46 left in the half.
Several defensive fouls led Puerto Rico to the free-kick line to maintain order 90-88. Napier scored from three points and then added a free throw for 94-88, leaving the stage open for a giant Barea güira that took off the locals 96-88 in the face of the important win.
“The Bahamas had a great game, but we managed to press and keep control of the game. It was not easy. We have a great team that managed to gear up in the end. We are happy for the victory,” Barea said after the victory who also collected seven rebounds and distributed eight assists.
Puerto Rico joined Mexico and the United States as the three Group D teams to get the ticket to the 2022 AmeriCup, a qualifying event for the 2023 World Cup.
Michael Thompson and David Nesbitt were the best for the Bahamas with 21 and 13 points respectively. Travis Munnings contributed 14 due to loss, recovered 7 balls and handed out nine assists.