The fourth day of action at the Men’s 2018 Central Americas and Caribbean Championships opened with a top of the table clash between so far undefeated teams Mexico and Puerto Rico. A nervous opening quarter saw both teams try to settle into the game, it was in the second quarter where Mexico took control of the game winning the quarter, 18-3, and taking a 21-point lead into the break. An advantage that they extended on in the third and fourth quarter to win the game 71-38 and secure their position at the top of the table.

In the second game of the day, the Dominican Republic put on their best display of the competition so far against El Salvador, and with only two points between the teams at halftime, 16-18, the game could have gone either way. However, it was El Salvador’s experience that was the difference in the second half, as they controlled the game playing to their place and putting extended defensive pressure on the Dominican Republic, this allowed them to break away and win 35-44.

Costa Rica suffered their second consecutive loss in the final game of the day against Nicaragua. In what was a physical contest between the teams, it was Nicaragua’s height and presence in the key which caused problems for the Costa Rican’s, as Nicaragua took a 35-24 lead into the halftime break. The second half was more even with both teams losing players from their starting five to foul trouble, but despite the Costa Rican’s efforts, they could not reverse the scoreline and Nicaragua took the victory, 61-42.

Puerto Rico, with a record of three wins and one lost, will now face the Dominican Republic in their last group game on Friday in a bid to finish in second place and make their way through to the final on Saturday against Mexico.

El Salvador and Nicaragua meet against each and aim to line up a fight for the bronze medal on Saturday, whilst hosts Costa Rica come up against undefeated Mexico.