The Mexican basketball team has not attended the Olympic Games for 48 years.
Puerto Rico outplayed Mexico in the semifinal game of the Olympic qualifying tournament with a score of 98:78.
In the first semifinal, Lithuania easily defeated Italy, making it clear who will compete for a spot in Paris. It should be noted that the winner of the tournament in San Juan will secure a ticket to the Olympic Games, filling one of the vacant spots in the group that includes Serbia, the United States, and South Sudan.
Mexico was up to the task only in the first quarter, after which they had a five-point lead. However, in the second quarter, which Puerto Rico won 27:14, it was clear who the better team was. Mexico did not pose a serious threat for the rest of the game, allowing the host to secure their spot in the final.
Puerto Rico was led to the win by Tremont Waters, who scored 24 points, while Jordan Howard added 20 points. For Mexico, Fabian Jaimes led the way with 23 points and 13 rebounds, achieving a double-double.
🇵🇷 Puerto Rico cruise to the #FIBAOQT FINAL at home!
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 7, 2024
Tremont Waters | 2️⃣4️⃣ PTS | and Jordan Howard |2️⃣0️⃣ PTS | were too strong together for Mexico 💪
Olympic Games are very close right now… 👀 pic.twitter.com/KZtID7CnD2
Source: ESTO
