Last night on this newscast you heard the veteran leaders of Belize's national basketball team Milt Palacio and Alex Carcamo explain that all they needed to do at Centro Basket was win the first three games in their bracket. That would ensure the team of at least a fourth place finish and qualifying for the Tournament of the Americas.
But that fourth place finish is in serious jeopardy tonight after a damaging loss to Mexico today. Team Belize took a pounding, losing by 22 points, 63 to 85. The team was outmatched in size, shooting accuracy and hustle. They were down by just one at the half but had a defensive meltdown in the third quarter where the Mexicans blew the game open, outscoring Belize 27 to 12 in that period. In the end Mexico shot 45% from the field to Belize's 35%. Milt Palacio top scored for Belize with 15 points but he also had 9 turnovers.
Darwin Carter - the last minute replacement for top scorer Marlon Garnett - who arrived from Los Angeles to the stadium at game time played in the second half but not to great effect.
More is expected and much more will be asked of him in tomorrow's game when Belize faces a formidable Cuban team. The game is considered a must win if Belize has any hope of advancing to the next round.
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