In a stunning repeat performance, Jamaica’s national basketball team secured their second consecutive victory against heavily favored Puerto Rico with a 97-92 triumph in Monday night’s Group B FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifier clash in San Juan. This remarkable win, coming just four days after their initial 92-90 upset, propelled Jamaica to equal standing with Canada at four points each in the qualifying group standings.
The match unfolded as a dramatic contest that defied pre-game expectations, with world No. 95-ranked Jamaica consistently outperforming their 16th-ranked opponents. The Jamaican squad established early dominance, concluding the first quarter with a 27-19 advantage and expanding their lead to 54-41 by halftime. Their exceptional shooting accuracy, particularly an impressive 63% success rate from three-point range during the first half, laid the foundation for their commanding position.
Chase Audige emerged as the game’s top scorer with 20 points, receiving substantial support from Romaine Thomas (18 points) and Kofi Cockburn, who delivered a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Tyran DeLattibeaudiere contributed significantly with 15 points to the team’s collective effort.
Jamaica’s momentum peaked in the third quarter when they established a substantial 20-point lead, momentarily silencing the home crowd following Andrew Thelwell’s successful three-pointer. However, Puerto Rico mounted an impressive comeback effort, narrowing the deficit to just seven points entering the final quarter behind Stephen Thompson Jnr’s team-high 18 points, supported by Zakai Zeigler’s 17 points and Alexander Morales’ game-high 25 points.
The closing minutes witnessed intense back-and-forth action, with Puerto Rico reducing Jamaica’s advantage to a precarious three points at 95-92 with merely 58 seconds remaining. Critical defensive plays, including a decisive steal by Audige and strategic clock management in the final moments, ultimately secured Jamaica’s victory. DeLattibeaudiere’s two successful free throws with 10 seconds left provided the final margin, cementing another historic win for the Jamaican team.