Dominican Republic Basketball Ends Brazil’s Winning Run

Jean Montero scored a career-best 30 points for the Dominican Republic, while Andrés Feliz added 24 as the Caribbean team handed Brazil its first loss of the qualifying campaign in the opening game of the second round.

Playing in Brazil on Thursday, the Dominican Republic recovered after allowing 58 points in the first half and tightened its defense after the break. The result moved the Dominican team to 5-2 in the qualifying standings, while Brazil fell to 6-1.

Montero Leads Dominican Offensive Attack

Montero, who will join Greek club Olympiacos this season, produced his highest-scoring performance for the Dominican national team. He made five of nine attempts from three-point range and also recorded four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Feliz, who was signed by Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, complemented the scoring with 24 points and nine assists. He also contributed four rebounds, two steals and one block as the Dominican Republic maintained its composure in a closely contested game.

Defense Changes the Game After Halftime

Brazil had been averaging more than 100 points across its previous three games, but the Dominican Republic managed to slow the hosts after the interval. Coach Néstor “Ché” García relied heavily on his perimeter defenders as the Dominican defense reduced Brazil’s effectiveness from the field.

The turnaround was particularly important after Brazil’s 58-point first half. The Dominican Republic’s defensive response allowed the visitors to protect their lead and secure a result that also ended a long run of defeats against their South American opponents.

The Dominican team had lost six consecutive games to Brazil, dating back to its last victory over the hosts in September 2011. Thursday’s four-point win therefore marked a significant reversal in the teams’ recent head-to-head record.

Brazil Relies on Meindl, Neto and Caboclo

Leo Meindl led Brazil with 19 points, including 13 during the opening five minutes. Raúl Neto and Bruno Caboclo each finished with 14 points, but Brazil could not maintain the offensive pace that had characterized its previous qualifying games.

The result gives the Dominican Republic an important start to the second round of the Americas Qualifiers, with the team now turning its attention to its next game at home.

Dominican Republic to Face Chile Next

The Dominican Republic will host Chile in its next game of the fourth qualifying window, while Brazil will travel to Mexico. The World Cup qualifying campaign will continue to determine which teams advance toward the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

For the Dominican Republic, the victory in Brazil provides an early boost in the second round and gives the team momentum heading into its next home assignment.