Jamaica's men's basketball team booked their spot in next year's Federation of International Basketball Associations Tournament of the America's next year, following a nail-biting 76-74 win over Mexico, in Group B of the Centro-basket Championships in Puerto Rico yesterday.

The Jamaicans, led by 23 points and 15 rebounds from the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers player Samardo Samuels, led all the way but a late rally by the Mexicans saw them cut the deficit with several late three-pointers. Among those attempts was a missed three-point attempt by Mexico's Victor Mata as time expired.

In addition to booking their spot at next year's tournament the Jamaicans, who finished with a record of three wins and one loss, will also advance to the next round of the Centrobasket Champion-ships, where they will face Costa Rica tomorrow. The Jamaicans advanced from Group B along with the Dominican Republic, who ended the group with a perfect record.

vindication

The performance by the Sam Vincent-coached Jamaicans was vindication somewhat for their disappointing performance at the previous Centro tournament held in the Dominican Republic in 2010.

Dylan Ennis and Patrick Ewing Jr provided Samuels with the most support as they both netted 13 points in the win.

Gustavo Ayon was Mexico's top scorer with 20 points and brought the Mexicans within two points at 71-73 with 17 seconds remaining. The Jamaicans, however, held their nerve at the free throw line to ensure a rare appearance at the regional tournament.