Isaiah Thomas leads the United States to victory over Cuba in the qualifying rounds

Chihuahua (Mexico), November 28 (EFE). – Isaiah Thomas scored 21 points this Sunday as he led the United States to a 95-90 victory over Cuba in the first appearances for both teams in the Americas qualifying for the World Cup. year 2023.
In Chihuahua of northern Mexico, Thomas, a former NBA Boston Celtics figure, was the key to the Americans. And Jacel Rivero stood out for Cuba with 34 points.
Jacel Rivero scored 17 points to lead Cuba in the first quarter, which the quintet led by Eduardo Moya beat the United States 37-27.
The Cubans were faster on the counterattack, took advantage of their opponents’ losses and were right on the three throws to beat the Americans.
The United States consolidated their dominance of the paint, relying on 20 points from the substitutes to turn the tide of the match and reach the end of the first half 60-53 on the scoreboard.
The Americans topped seven points from the bench through Xavier Simpson, in addition to four other points from Isaiah Thomas.
Cuba polished their home game in the third quarter, again building on a good performance from Rivero, who sent out seven units, to reach the final ten minutes 77-73 with an advantage.
While the United States were choppy on field goals and again fell fouls on their possessions when losing the ball, causing them to fall on the scoreboard.
Thomas returned to his stellar role in the fourth quarter and with eleven points, six from outside, he helped the United States finish the game 95-90.
The Cubans missed the decisive moment in their field shots and also succumbed to the speed of the attacks of the Americans, who constantly misplaced them in transitions.
Later, Mexico and Puerto Rico, who will mark the debut of their coach Nelson Colon, will meet in their first match in Group D of the World Cup qualifiers.
Cuba will return to work on Monday when it meets Puerto Rico as well as the United States, which will face host country Mexico. Duels are played in Sector D at the Manuel Bernardo Aguirre Arena in Chihuahua.