Mexico U17s crush Jamaica in CentroBasket

Mexico's Under 17 Basketball team gave Jamaica a harsh lesson as to how stacked the competition truly is as the FIBA Under 17 CentroBasket Championships got under way yesterday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The young Jamaicans were humbled 100-36 by Mexico in their opening game in Group B, falling behind early and failing to recover from Mexico's blistering offensive assault.

The game was virtually wrapped up at half time.

Mexico got to a fast start and were on an 11-0 run just over six minutes into the first quarter before Jamaica managed to score their first points of the game from the free throw line. The lead was cut to seven when Joshua Minott, another of the overseas players brought into the squad, converted his free throws with over four minutes left after being fouled. Jamaica's offence could not capitalize on second chance opportunities and suffered from turning over the ball 30 times as Mexico led by 41 at the half. At one point Mexico were on a 29-4 scoring run, their largest of the game.

Few bright sparks

Jamaica only managed to shoot 22.39 per cent from the field. Minott, who plays in the United States for St Andrews High School in Florida, was one of the few bright sparks finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds. Chad Avis was the second highest Jamaican scorer with nine points, six rebounds and one assist.

Mexico were comfortable throughout the match, rarely being tested. They were able to shoot 49.33 per cent from the field, including 31.25 per cent from the three point range. Esteban Roacho led the way, scoring 15 points from the bench. Ivan Bernal contributed with 12 points, and Yahir Bonilla added 11 points and seven rebounds. Mexico's second unit was just as potent. They contributed 63 points off the bench.

Jamaica coach Nyron Hird was displeased with the outcome, especially because of how the team played at the start.

"We were extremely positive going into the game, but blundered horribly after three minutes, which saw us panicking and basically set a tone which made it difficult for us to function offensively and defensively," he said.

Jamaica will be looking for an improved performance as they face Panama in their second group game today at noon Jamaica time.