Mexico beat Cuba in its search for a ticket to the World Cup

The team led by Omar Quintero overtook the Cuban team and consolidated to second position of their group.

The Mexican team defeated the Cuban team 75-66last in place with five defeats to five, and took second place in group D of the first round of the Americas qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup.

The result keeps Mexico, with tickets already in the second round, in second place of his place with 4 wins and one loss, the same score of leader of the United Stateswhich boasts better point production.

In the gym Manuel Bernardo Aguirre of Chihuahuathe locals won 18-16 in a tight first quarterThanks to win counterattacks against some Cubans who showed strength in painting.

The difference is marked in the field goalswhere the best is the veteran Francisco ‘Pako’ Cruzwho converted two of his three attempts, one of which was a triple that helped him lead his team with five points in the first period.

The Turkish Tofas guard continued with good goal with three shots and went 2-for-3 in the second quarter against a Cuba that has lost solidity in painting.

It is because of that Mexico led 42-36 at halftime with another good performance from Cruzwho added eight points to his account to reach 13 units.

But had to wait until the third quarter to have a double-digit lead for the first time. The Cubans were convicted on their turnovers and those mistakes meant 10 points for the locals.

At that moment that was Gabriel Girón led for the Mexicans with eight points, six of them from triples. And although Cuba reduced the deficit, Paul Stoll completed a five-point fourth quarter to help Mexico to define the match by 75-66.

The top scorers were Stoll for the Mexicans and Jasiel Rivero for the other side, both with 17 units. The group led by Omar Quintero will close its participation in the first round of qualifiers by visiting Puerto Rico on Monday 4 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.