Jamaica face Bahamas in crucial FIBA World Cup qualifier

Jamaica’s senior men’s basketball team will head into today’s crucial FIBA World Cup Qualifiers clash against hosts The Bahamas knowing that a victory will secure their place in the final phase of the competition. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. (Jamaica time).

Jamaica sit second in Group B with six points, two behind leaders Canada. The Bahamas and Puerto Rico occupy third and fourth, respectively, on five points each. The Jamaicans are also scheduled to face Canada in their second and final game of the qualifying window, on July 6.

President of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), Paulton Gordon, is confident the national side can produce the result needed to move on to the next stage.

“The squad has been training … they came together a few days ago and they have been preparing assiduously. We are hoping to pull this one off. The coach will finalise the squad today (Thursday), so we are looking forward to a great window from the players,” said Gordon.

Gordon noted that securing victory against The Bahamas would ease the pressure heading into the final game against Canada, and eliminate any concerns over tiebreaker scenarios.

“It is important that we win this game to prevent any other issues as it relates to tiebreakers,” he said.