SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Puerto Rico reacted in the second half fueled by the trio of Carlos Arroyo, Daniel Santiago and Larry Ayuso to beat Mexico 81-66 to close day one of the FIBA
Americas Championship in San Juan.

Romel Beck led Mexico in the first quarter with 10 points while Puerto Rico had most of their offense in the hands of their two towers, Peter John Ramos and Daniel Santiago as both teams finished tied at 19. Ramos had 8 points and Santiago 7 for the hosts.

In the second quarter Beck along with Llamas and Noe Alonzo led the Mexicans and got them a 42-38 halftime lead. Beck had 16 points, Horacio Llamas 8 and Alonzo 7. Puerto Rico had Ramos, Arroyo and Santiago with 9 points each.

Puerto Rico came back in the third quarter with a 9-2 run to tie the game at 47 after a three pointer by Larry Ayuso. Ricky Sanchez and Carlos Arroyo led another rally to give the locals a 57-49 lead with 3:34 left and after 30 minutes the score was 61-51 for Puerto Rico.

Beck and Llamas ran out of fuel as well as the rest of the Mexican team to keep up with the Puerto Ricans who had contributions from the starting players and the bench.

Larry Ayuso led with 16 points, Daniel Santiago had 15 points with 11 rebounds and Carlos Arroyo 15 and 11 assists.

Mexico was led by Romel Beck with 26 points, Noe Alonzo 11 and Horacio Llamas 10.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

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