Panama eyes World Cup qualifier spot against struggling Cuba

Panama has an opportunity to clinch a spot in the next round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers when they host Cuba on Thursday. A win would secure their advancement to the next stage of the tournament for the 2027 World Cup.

Panama, currently third in Group D with five points, defeated Cuba 84-81 in their last encounter. Guard Iverson Molinar stressed the need for adjustments to avoid a close game this time. Coach Nelson Colón echoed this sentiment, stating the team's goal is to win at home and celebrate qualification.

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We have to come to compete, we know we won by only three points last time, for this occasion we have to adjust the things we did a little wrong, to get the win.

Cuba, languishing at the bottom of Group D with four losses and no wins, desperately needs a victory to maintain any hope of reaching the World Cup. Coach Onel Planas has assembled a young, fast-paced squad, but will be without key players like Jasiel Rivero and Howard Saint-Ross due to travel issues. Their path forward requires winning both remaining games or securing a win against Panama and hoping for favorable results elsewhere.

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We are going to try to do everything possible to win that game at home (against Cuba) and celebrate our qualification here.