-as FIBA AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers continue
Guyana recovered from their opening defeat to secure a dramatic 75-73 overtime victory against Antigua and Barbuda last night in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Basketball Confederation Pre-Qualifiers at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Playing before an energetic home crowd, Guyana held their composure in the closing stages after both teams surrendered double-digit leads during a closely contested Group Phase encounter.
The hosts entered overtime tied at 69-69 before outscoring Antigua and Barbuda 6-4 in the additional period.
With Guyana trailing 73-71 and 2:27 remaining, standout guard Kevon Wiggins converted a driving layup following an Antigua and Barbuda turnover to level the score.
Guyana then moved ahead 75-73 and protected the narrow advantage during the final minute. Antigua and Barbuda had an opportunity to regain the lead with 1:03 remaining, but Preston Merrick missed a three-point attempt.
The hosts managed the remaining possessions to complete an important victory and keep their qualification campaign alive following Wednesday’s loss to Turks and Caicos.
Wiggins led Guyana with 24 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals. He made eight of his 19 field-goal attempts, including three of four shots from three-point range, and was perfect from the free-throw line with five conversions.
Umar Rashid also played a major role, recording 21 points and eight rebounds, along with one steal and one block. He completed the game without committing a turnover.
Xavier Spencer was Antigua and Barbuda’s leading scorer with 16 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block.
Antigua and Barbuda led 15-11 at the end of the opening quarter before Guyana responded by winning the second period 18-16. The hosts outscored their opponents 21-17 in the third quarter, but Antigua and Barbuda took the fourth 21-19 to force overtime.
Guyana will return to action against Dominica on Friday at 8:00 p.m.
In Thursday’s other matches, the Cayman Islands defeated Grenada 77-68, Barbados recorded a convincing 91-68 victory over Haiti, and Turks and Caicos beat Dominica 81-64.
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