JamRockerz storm San Juan, complete historic sweep of Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CMC):

Any doubt about Jamaica's arrival as a serious force in the FIBA Americas Qualifiers was emphatically erased here Monday night.

Two days after a miraculous buzzer-beater, the "JamRockerz" authored a complete, commanding 97-92 victory over Puerto Rico at a stunned Coliseo Roberto Clemente, completing a stunning road sweep and announcing themselves as genuine contenders for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

Forced to play both Group B games in hostile territory due to Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica, with a record of 2-0, proved Friday's 92-90 thriller was no accident.

They have now won their first two World Cup Qualifying games ever and sit alone at the top of the group standings.

Jamaica seized control with a decisive 11-2 run in the second quarter, ignited by back-to-back Romaine Thomas three-pointers, to build a 14-point lead.

They would extend that advantage to 20 in the second half, weathering a frantic but ultimately futile late surge from Puerto Rico that cut the deficit to just three in the final minute.

The victory was a showcase of adaptability. After dominating the paint on Friday, Jamaica's offence rained fire from deep, shooting a blistering 13-for-27 (48.2 per cent) from three-point range.

They supplemented that with a near-perfect 18-for-21 performance from the free-throw line and a relentless effort on the glass, grabbing 16 offensive rebounds to win the second-chance points battle 20-13.

Centre Kofi Cockburn was a pillar of consistency, posting a dominant 15-point, 12-rebound double-double with five assists. Chase Audige led all scorers with 20 points, while Romaine Thomas had 18 points and Tyran De Lattibeaudiere 15, providing crucial offensive support.

For Puerto Rico, the loss marks a historic low, as they drop both games of a qualifying window for the first time. Despite a game-high 26 efficiency rating from Alexander Morales, 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 18 points from Stephen Thompson Jr., the team was undone by 21 costly turnovers.

Jamaica's Cinderella story continues. Having already made history, they now return home with a perfect record and the growing belief that a World Cup berth is within their grasp.