Puerto Rico tops Panama in women's basketball at Central American and Caribbean Games

Puerto Rico secured a 70-61 victory over Panama in a high-intensity women's basketball match at the Central American and Caribbean Games on July 27. The Panamanian team, despite a promising start, ultimately succumbed to Puerto Rico's effectiveness in crucial moments.

Panama initially took the lead, winning the first quarter 19-17. However, Puerto Rico rallied in the second period with a 20-15 run, seizing control of the game's tempo for the remainder of the match. A significant factor in the outcome was the stark contrast in free-throw performance. Puerto Rico converted 70% of their attempts (19 of 27), while Panama struggled, making only 3 of their 24 free throws for a 13% success rate.

Individually, Lya González was a standout for Puerto Rico, scoring 19 points and dishing out 6 assists. Sofia Ponce and Gabriela Gómez also contributed 10 points each. Despite Panama dominating the total rebounds with 52 compared to Puerto Rico's 48, their 24 turnovers proved costly.

Following this setback in Group A, Panama aims to rebound when they face Nicaragua on July 29. Puerto Rico, buoyed by this win, will play Costa Rica on the same day.