…Turn attention to Dom Rep
CARACAS, Venezuela — After Tuesday night’s historic 78-76 upset win over Brazil to book a place in the second round of the FIBA Americas Championship, Jamaica’s head coach Sam Vincent has turned the spotlight on today’s key clash with Dominican Republic.
The match is scheduled to start at 10:30 am Jamaica time.
The Jamaicans’ win at the Poliedro de Caracas was their first of the tournament and brought them into the fourth and final qualifying spot from Group A, and consequently eliminated the Brazilians, who are perennial regional powerhouses.
More history beckons for the Jamaicans as the top four teams after the second round advance to the semi-finals and are automatic qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup in Spain next year.
It has not gone unnoticed that Jamaica, first-time entrants at this level and a team with far less resources than any of its competitors, have done the improbable, but Vincent’s focus is locked on even further success.
“They got a player on the inside, who is tough, and several outside shooters, but as long as we come out hard and compete and we make good decisions then I’m confident we have the chance to win,” he told the Jamaica Observer at the Gran Melia Hotel yesterday.
Jamaica have slowly improved since their first game of the tournament, where they were hammered 64-85 by Canada. Losses in close encounters to Uruguay and eventual group winners Puerto Rico gave positive hope, but Tuesday’s win in a first ever meeting with Brazil was the lifeline the players and the coaching staff needed.
“Without having the three practice games [before the tournament] and the ability to understand the international intensity, it took us longer to get up to speed with what this competition is all about.
“Last (Tuesday) night we stayed close, we made some good plays down the end, but most importantly we learned from the other three [losses] what it takes to win a game. I think they’ve become more comfortable with each other. It’s a new team with news guys and there is a learning curve and we are turning the corner and only getting better from here,” said Vincent.
In the win, Jamaica’s forward Samardo Samuels, a real force so far in this tournament, notched 21 points from 5/10 shooting to lead all scorers. He also counted eight rebounds.
Weyinmi Rose had 16 points, while Durand Scott chipped in with 14.
