Mexico were crowned champions of the Men’s 2018 Central Americas and Caribbean Championships, after defeating Puerto Rico in an incredible final, 59-56.

During the six days of competition, Mexico went unbeaten to claim the gold medal whilst the silver medal went to a seasoned and well-combined Puerto Rican team that matched the Mexicans in the final. Mexico held a slight advantage after the first quarter, 19-12, however, Puerto Rico did not let their heads drop and won the second quarter to bring the deficit back to just two points 29-27 in favour of Mexico at halftime.

With the scoreline so close nerves started to get the better of the young Mexican team and thanks to 13 points from Puerto Rico’s Carlos Martinez in the third quarter, Puerto Rico took a five-point lead, 41-46, into the final period. The final ten minutes were very tense as Mexico fought back and with just eight seconds left on the clock took back the lead, a lead they managed to hold on for the final few seconds to take the win 59-56 and the Gold medal.

Both Mexico and Puerto Rico had already qualified for the Lima 2019 Parapan Am Games next year, before the final.

In the third-fourth game, Nicaragua confidently claimed the bronze medal over El Salvador, winning all four quarters, 16-11, 13-7, 16-5 and 18-8 to finish with a final score, 63-31. Meanwhile, in the game for the fifth place, Costa Rica defeated the Dominican Republic, 47-36.