Guyana’s winless run at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Pre-Qualifiers continued last night when they lost to host nation El Salvador 92-90 at the José Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium.
With less than five seconds on the clock and the score 92-90 in favor of the home side, captain Stanton Rose fired a contested effort from beyond the arc which fell short of the intended target, sealing their heartbreaking loss as Carlos Arias collected the timely defensive rebound.
It was the third consecutive loss for the Guyanese following defeats to Nicaragua (84-73) and Jamaica (107-87) on Thursday and Friday respectively at the same location. The defeat effectively extinguished any hopes of Guyana progressing to the second round, as they currently sit in the cellar position on zero points.
Prior to the dramatic loss, Guyana secured the initial advantage as the first period ended 26-24. However, El Salvador levelled proceedings in the second quarter which ended 53-53, as they outscored the Guyanese 29-27.
Guyana would respond in the pivotal third period, netting 27 points while restricting the hosts to a meager 14 points to enter the final stanza in control at 80-67. Nonetheless, El Salvador would secure the come-from-behind win as they outshot Guyana 25-10.
Delroy James led the Guyanese with 27 points, five assists, with Rose the next best scorer with 19 points, 10 rebounds. Adding 14 points, seven rebounds was Harold Adams, while the duo of Deylon Bovell and Anthony Moe scored 13 and 11 points each.
For the victor, Ronnie Aguilar recorded 35 points, 16 rebounds, while Roberto Martinez registered 24 points. The quartet of Arias, Jose Araujo, Mauricio Lahud and Brayan Garcia scored 10, seven, six and five points respectively.
Guyana will conclude their group campaign today against Costa Rica from 21:00hrs. The first round of qualifiers will be conducted utilising a group format, with the top three finishers progressing to the second round of qualifiers slated for July 2021.
