The Dominican Republic set out the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship by having an convenient triumph over Cuba, 90-60, with24 points and 9 rebounds by Al Horford.
Regardless of an erratic first minutes, Cuba was able to take benefit from its swift game obtaining a 6-2 lead in the first 4 minutes, which forced John Calipari to call for a time-out. Nontheless, a superb passing game between Garcia and Baez gave the Dominicans the opportunity to tie the game. The remainder of the first quarter was entirely Dominican rebublic and they done it in front, 18-8, from a 11-2 roll.
The team coached by Ariel Amarillo tied the game once again performing harder defense but it mainly lasted a few seconds before Al Horford put up a show (dunks and all included). Their collective game plus Horford’s individual talent show them to be far superior towards their opponent, completing the first half in front, 38-19.
The second half began with both teams playing sluggish, something which favored the Dominicans, who lengthened their lead to 65-35. Cuba tried to use its outside shooting game to come back but they weren’t successful and the quarter finished 67-37.
The final quarter allowed the Dominicans to show its complete arsenal, including its bench players, leaving Cuba without any chances against Horford, Villanueva, Martinez, and the rest.
Francisco Garcia said: "We played well defensively but we need to practice more our offense, which today came easily but that won’t always be the case”
