SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Jamaica delivered a resounding message to the Americas on Monday night: their previous victory over Puerto Rico was no accident.
In a gripping Group B clash of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers, the 95th-ranked Jamaicans toppled the 16th-ranked hosts for the second time in four days, securing a 97-92 triumph that silenced the Puerto Rican crowd and underscored Jamaica’s rapid rise in the region.
With the win, Jamaica climbed to four points, pulling level with Canada after the latter defeated The Bahamas 94-88.
Balanced scoring, big moments
Chase Audige anchored the Jamaican offense with a game-high 20 points, backed by an inspired supporting cast. Romaine Thomas contributed 18, while Kofi Cockburn dominated both ends with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Tyran DeLattibeaudiere added another 15 in a performance defined by composure under pressure.
Puerto Rico’s scoring load was carried by Stephen Thompson Jr. (18), Zakai Zeigler (17), and Alexander Morales, who posted 25 in a losing effort.
Jamaica strike first and keep striking
From the opening tip, Jamaica showed none of the hesitation expected of a lower-ranked team. Instead, they dictated tempo and execution, racing to a 27-19 lead before surging ahead 54-41 at halftime. Thomas and Audige combined for 23 first-half points as Jamaica shot an impressive 63 per cent from deep, stretching Puerto Rico’s defense to its limits and briefly establishing a 14-point advantage.
The momentum surged again in the third quarter when Andrew Thelwell drilled a silencing three-pointer, pushing Jamaica ahead by as many as 20 and muting the home crowd.
Puerto Rico rally, but Jamaica keep composure
Puerto Rico responded with urgency, carving the deficit down to seven entering the fourth quarter after outscoring Jamaica 26-20. With the arena revived and pressure mounting, the hosts threatened to turn the tide but Thomas struck with a pivotal three to restore a double-digit cushion at 79-69.
Still, the resistance continued. Puerto Rico trimmed the margin to 87-81 with five minutes left before Cockburn steadied the Jamaicans with two clutch free throws. Moments later, Thelwell forced a key steal that led to a DeLattibeaudiere layup, restoring an eight-point gap at 91-83.
A nail-biting finish and a signature win
Yet the contest refused to settle. Jamaica stumbled briefly with poor decisions and lapses on defense, allowing Puerto Rico to claw within 95-92 after two Morales free throws with just 58 seconds remaining.
The turning point came when Audige made a decisive steal and drew a foul with 27 seconds on the clock. Jamaica then expertly managed the final possession, and with 10 seconds left, DeLattibeaudiere calmly sank two free throws to seal another memorable and undeniably legitimate victory over their heavily favored opponents.
Jamaica leave San Juan not only with two wins, but with growing belief that they belong in the upper tiers of the Americas.
