SANTO DOMINGO (Centrobasket U17 Championship) – The Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico in the final game of the Centrobasket U17 Championship 81-80, to claim the regional title. Alanzo Frink was selected MVP of the tournament. Panama won Bronze over Mexico in a 85-80 victory.

The Dominicans started the game better and escaped to an 8-point lead at the end of the first 10 minutes. The Dominicans had height advantage, and the took advantage taking the ball to the paint. Alonzo Frink led the way, but the Boricuas fought back into the game and tied the game at 58 at the end of the third quarter. The last 10 minutes were emotional and exciting, it was a give and take, at the end the Dominicans celebrated the win and the championship.

Alanzo Frink was named the MVP of the Centrobasket U17 Championship, after averaging 18.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in the regional championship.

The Bronze Medal Match was a spectacle from Ricardo Lindo, who led the Panamanians to the last step on the podium after putting up a 39-point and 19-rebound double-double in the win. Panama had to come from behind after finding itself down on the scoreboard in the beginning of the last quarter. The Panamanians showed great heart to win the last quarter 36-20. The Panamanians secured the medal and the last ticket available to the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018.

In the other games of the day, Virgin Islands claimed the 5th place of the championship with a 70-58 win over Jamaica and Bahamas defeated Guyana 91-63 to win seventh place.

Final positions:
1. Dominican Republic*
2. Puerto Rico*
3. Panama*
4. Mexico
5. Virgin Islands
6. Jamaica
7. Bahamas
8. Guyana
* qualified to the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018

FIBA