Panama defeats Cuba, keeps FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying hopes alive

Panama's national basketball team kept their aspirations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 alive with a decisive 83-70 victory over Cuba. The win, achieved in the fourth matchday of Group D qualifiers, positions Panama to contend for a spot in the next phase of the tournament.

The Panamanian squad demonstrated consistent performance throughout the game, controlling the score across three of the four quarters. They established an early lead, winning the first quarter 20-15. Their advantage widened in the second quarter with a 24-20 score, and after a tied 17-17 third quarter, they closed out the game with a final 22-18 run to seal the victory.

Panama's offense proved efficient, shooting 45% from the field and a notable 40.62% from beyond the arc, converting 13 of 32 three-point attempts. They also dominated rebounds with 37 boards, dished out 20 assists, and recorded 9 steals. Ricardo Lindo was the game's top scorer with 21 points, complemented by Iverson Molinar's 18 points and 8 assists, and Eric Romero's double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Despite Cuba's higher free-throw percentage, Panama's superior team play and outside shooting proved decisive. This victory improves Panama's record to 1-3, placing them third in Group D, while Cuba remains winless at 0-4. Uruguay leads the group undefeated, followed by Argentina.