MANILA (Philippines) – Puerto Rico put themselves right in the race for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Quarter-Finals with a thrilling 102-97 victory over Dominican Republic to create a four-way tie in the Second Round Group I.
Tremont Waters led the way with 37 points as one of 5 players in double figures for Puerto Rico, who joined the Dominicans, Italy and Serbia all at 3-1 in the fight for the knockout stage. Waters got the best of a great shoot-out with Dominican big man Karl-Anthony Towns who scored 39 points. This was just the second World Cup game between these teams with the other match-up dating back to the 1978 edition where Puerto Rico won 119-89 – also in Manila. Puerto Rico improved their all-time record to 13-3 over the Dominicans.
Puerto Rico opened a 16-point lead in the second quarter only to see the Dominicans fight back into the game and close the first half on a 14-2 run to even things 45-45 at the break. The Dominicans had the better third quarter and were ahead 72-61 late in the frame. The lead was 84-76 when Puerto Rico reeled off 10 straight points to take the lead 86-84. That was the first of 9 lead changes and 3 ties in the final 4:49 minutes with George Conditt blocking Victor Liz’s layup attempt and then John Holland buried a three-pointer to put Puerto Rico up 98-95 with 31 seconds to play. After Towns missed a triple attempt, Waters made two free throws with 20 seconds to seal the game.
Tremont Waters would not let Puerto Rico lose as the point guard poured in 37 points in hitting 11-of-22 shots, including 7-of-13 from long range and 8-of-8 free throws to take home the TCL Player of the Game honor. Waters also had 11 assists, 7 rebounds and 4 steals. Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic find themselves in a four-way tie at 3-1 along with Italy and Serbia. Both Caribbean nations control their own destiny as either will reach the Quarter-Finals with a win on Sunday – Dominican Republic against Serbia and Puerto Rico versus Italy.
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