Cuba Falls to Panama in FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifier

The Cuban men's national basketball team fell to Panama by a narrow margin of 84-81 on Friday at the Roberto Durán Arena in Panama City, in a Group D matchup of the Second Qualifying Window for the FIBA World Cup Qatar 2027.

The Cubans registered their third defeat in the bracket, having previously lost to Argentina 80-68 on November 27 at the Ciudad Deportiva coliseum in Havana, and again on December 1 in Buenos Aires by a lopsided score of 105-49.

Panama seized control early, winning the first quarter by a commanding 29-19 margin — a lead that proved decisive. The second quarter ended in a 20-20 draw, while Cuba rallied to claim the third period 30-22, putting themselves firmly back in contention. However, Panama edged the final quarter 13-12 to secure the victory.

Marcos Chacón led the Cuban offense with 30 points, making him the game's top scorer, while also contributing five rebounds and two assists. Reynaldo García delivered a standout performance with 12 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and seven steals. Pedro Bombino added 19 points and seven rebounds, and Marlon Díaz chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds.

For the winners, Iverson Molinar paced Panama with 26 points and six assists, while Ernesto Oglivie recorded a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The absences of key players Howard Saint-Ross, Yoanki Mencía, Jasiel Rivero, Yoel Cubillas, Sigfredo Casero, and Karel Guzmán were clearly felt throughout the contest for the squad led by head coach Osmel Planas.

The game was originally scheduled to be played in Havana but was relocated to Panama City due to restrictions imposed by the United States government's blockade against Cuba.

Following this defeat, Cuba will face Uruguay on March 2 at the same venue. The competition format grants three spots per group to advance to the second round, where the top 12 teams in the Americas will compete for seven berths in the World Cup.