Mexico takes a close victory 89-88 and ties the series against the Dominican Republic in the First Window of the World Cup

SANTO DOMINGO, – The Dominican Republic's national basketball team fell this Sunday 89-88 to Mexico, in a dramatic match held at the Ricardo Gioriber Arias Volleyball Palace, corresponding to the second match of the First Qualifying Window for the 2027 World Cup.

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The game was decided with 3.5 seconds left, when Moisés Andriassi scored two free throws that gave the victory to the Aztecs, denying the possibility of a perfect finish for the Dominicans in front of their public. With this result, both teams conclude the window with a 1-1 record. Last Friday, in Zacatecas, the Dominicans had defeated Mexico 92-85 at the Marcelino González Gymnasium, which had generated high expectations for the home game. After this first phase, the Dominican Republic and Mexico share second place in Group A, behind the undefeated leader, the United States, while Nicaragua remains at the bottom with 0-2. The group is part of the 16 teams in the Americas seeking one of the seven available spots for the 2027 Qatar World Cup.

Featured Performances

By Mexico, Yahir Bonilla shone with 20 points and 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double. Pako Cruz contributed 19 units, Gabriel Girón 15, Joseph Ávila 14 and Moisés Andriassi closed with 10, including the two decisive free throws. In the Dominican offensive, Andrés Feliz was the main figure with 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Chris Duarte added 18 points, Joel Soriano 12 points and eight rebounds, Richard Bautista 11 and Ángel Núñez 10.

The development of the match

Dominicana dominated the first half 54-47, after a three-pointer by Andrés Feliz on the buzzer. The locals also took the first two quarters 28-24 and 26-23, reaching a 13-point lead (37-24) in the second quarter. However, Mexico reacted in the third period with a resounding 20-9 that turned the scoreboard in its favor 67-63, forcing the Dominicans to row against the current in the final stretch.

Starting lineups

Dominican Republic: Jean Montero, Andrés Feliz, Chris Duarte, Joel Soriano, and Ángel Núñez.
Mexico: Fabián Jaimes, Paul Stoll, Pako Cruz, Gabriel Girón, and Joseph Ávila.

Road to the World Cup

The Dominican Republic aims to qualify for its fifth World Cup and fourth in a row, following its participations in 1978, 2014, 2019, and 2023. The national team's next commitment in this process will be on Friday, July 3, 2026, when they face the United States at the Virgilio Travieso Soto Sports Palace, in the third qualifying window.