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Dominican Republic Defeats Mexico to Reach CAC Games Basketball Final
The Dominican Republic remained unbeaten at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games after defeating Mexico 78-65 in the men's basketball semifinals, earning a place in the gold medal game against regional rival Puerto Rico.
The Dominican Republic men’s national basketball team secured a place in the gold medal game at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games after defeating Mexico 78-65 in Saturday’s semifinal. The victory extended the Dominicans’ unbeaten record to 4-0 in the tournament and set up a championship showdown with Puerto Rico.
Cristopher Maldonado led the Dominican offense with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Eugri Germán added 16 points. Marlon Martínez Jr. contributed 10 points, and Ronald García finished with nine as the Dominican squad advanced to Monday’s title game.
Dominicans Continue Unbeaten Run
The Dominican Republic entered the semifinals after finishing first in Group A with a perfect 3-0 record during the preliminary round. The win over Mexico preserved that unbeaten run and moved the host nation within one victory of the regional championship.
Mexico was led by Alejandro Muñoz, who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Ronnie Selleaze scored 13 points while adding eight rebounds and four assists, and Santiago Garza and Julián Gómez each contributed 10 points.
Gold Medal Game Set Against Puerto Rico
The men’s basketball tournament will conclude on Monday, August 3, with the Dominican Republic facing Puerto Rico for the gold medal at 8:30 p.m. The bronze medal game between Mexico and Belize is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Placement games will also be played on Monday. Guatemala and Jamaica will compete for seventh place at 12:30 p.m., followed by Panama and Nicaragua battling for fifth place at 3:00 p.m. Panama earned its spot by defeating Guatemala 73-55, while Nicaragua advanced after a 124-79 victory over Jamaica.
Women’s Tournament Also Nears Conclusion
The women’s basketball competition will crown its champion on Sunday, when Puerto Rico meets Mexico in the gold medal game at 8:30 p.m. at the renovated Arena BanReservas Professor Virgilio Travieso Soto in Santo Domingo.
Earlier in the day, the Dominican Republic will face Panama for the bronze medal. Additional classification games will feature Costa Rica against El Salvador for fifth place and Trinidad and Tobago versus Nicaragua for seventh.
