Cuba Falls to Uruguay: World Cup Qualifying Hopes Dim

Uruguay defeated Cuba 88-62 in Panama City on Tuesday, securing their qualification to the second phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers. The result leaves Cuba with no victories in four games and facing a difficult path forward in Group D.

The match, played at the Roberto Durán Arena, saw a closely contested first half end with Uruguay leading 37-36. However, Uruguay dominated the second half, outscoring Cuba 51-26. According to FIBA, this was the first historical meeting between the two teams, with Uruguay maintaining the lead for the majority of the game. Cuba never led, tying the score for only 47 seconds.

Pedro Bombino, playing for Fibwi Mallorca Basketball Palma in Spain, led Uruguay’s scoring with 14 points, closely followed by Reinaldo García of the Saga Ballooners in Japan, who scored 12 for Cuba. Both players also led their respective teams in rebounds, with Bombino securing nine and García with seven.

Emiliano Serres of Atlético Peñarol was Uruguay’s top scorer contributing 25 points. Joaquín Rodríguez and Martín Rojas added 19 and 17 points respectively for the winning side.

Cuba previously lost to Panama 81-84 on Friday at the same venue. Marcos Chacón led Panama with 30 points, including five three-pointers, along with three assists and five rebounds.

Cuba will conclude its participation in the first round of the continental qualifier with two more games: against Panama on July 2 and against Uruguay on July 5. Both matches will be played in Panama.