USVI Hosts Cuba Monday After Winning Opening Match

USVI point guard Walter Hodge battles past a pair of Cuban defenders in Friday's game in Havana. (Photo by FIBA)
USVI point guard Walter Hodge battles past a pair of Cuban defenders in Friday’s game in Havana. (Photo by FIBA)

The U.S. Virgin Islands senior men’s national team will host the Cuban national team at 7 p.m. Monday at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center. The game is one of a six-game schedule promoting the three top teams from pool C to the 2021 FIBA AmeriCup.

The Virgin Islanders defeated the Cubans 80-64 on Friday in Havana in the first qualifying game that took place in Havana, Cuba, on Friday. Virgin Islands won the first half, 36-32, and entered the fourth quarter with a seven-point lead, 58-51, and seemed in control.

However, Cuba made one last push in the closing minutes of the game.Two free throws by Cuban Yoel Cubilla closed the gap, 64-60, with 4:15 to play. But the Cubans couldn’t find an answer to the leadership and the play of the USVI’s Walter Hodge, who finished the game with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes on the court. A three-pointer from Stephan Adams and a dunk from LaRon Smith put an end to the Cuban comeback.

Adams contributed 15 points and Jamaal Samuel added 13 points and six rebounds.

The Virgin Islands are placed in Group C with Canada, Dominican Republic and Cuba.

The Virgin Islands team members are: Walter Hodge, Xavier Richards, Stephaun Adams, LaRon Smith, Jamaal Samuel, Kyle Clarke, Earl Thompson Jr., Aubrey Daniel Jr., Leonardo Castillo, Jervan Jackson, Khallid Hart and coached by William “Wilo” Colon, Donald Bough.