DR defeats Nicaragua and takes the lead in Group A in the qualifying window for the 2027 World Cup

SANTO DOMINGO. – The Dominican Republic’s senior men’s national basketball team authoritatively defeated Nicaragua 86-61 to secure their second consecutive victory in the Second Qualifying Window for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.

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With the triumph, the Dominicans improved their record to 3-1 and placed themselves in the first position of Group A, tied with United States, which earlier defeated 123-88 to Mexico in the Frontwave Arena, in San Diego, California. Both the Dominican Republic and the United States secured their classification to the next phase of the qualifying process, as three teams advance in Group A and Nicaragua, with a 0-4 record, was left without possibilities of reaching them. The match between Dominicans and Nicaraguans was played at the Alexis Argüello Sports Center, in the city of Managua. The home team started the match better and won the first period 18-14, but the Dominicans reacted strongly in the second quarter, dominating it 30-18 to go into halftime with a 44-36 lead. In the second half, the team led by Néstor García imposed its rhythm. The Quisqueyans won the third period 23-13 and closed the last quarter 19-12, extending the difference to seal the victory by 25 points.

For the Dominican offense, Joel Soriano stood out with 17 points and eight rebounds, followed by Ángel Delgado with 14 units. Ángel Núñez also shone with 12 points, including four three-pointers in five attempts.

In addition, Anderson García contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, Gelvis Solano and Richard Bautista with seven points each, while Luis Montero debuted in this window with six units. For Nicaragua, Eden Ewing was the most outstanding with 21 points and eight rebounds, accompanied by Jared Ruiz, who contributed 13. The Third Qualifying Window will be played in July. Dominican Republic will receive the United States on Friday 3rd and Nicaragua on Monday 6th at the Virgilio Travieso Soto Sports Palace, in Santo Domingo. In the qualifying process for the 2027 World Cup, 16 national teams from the American continent participate, competing for seven places in the international tournament.