The Dominican Republic defeated Panama to remain in the fight for a spot in basketball tournament of the Sydney, Australia Olympics. The DR defeated Panama 77-73. This brings about a triple tie for second place in Group B, with Dominicana, Brazil and Venezuela still with a chance to earn the single slot available. The US is expected to win one of two slots available for American teams in the Olympics. News reports also indicate that the international basketball authorities have declined Mark Jackson?s request for eligibility clearance. He can own up to Dominican nationality, but has to wait three years to be able to play. Jackson plays for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA. The games are being transmitted locally by Channel 4. Participating teams come from Cuba, Argentina, Canada, Uruguay, US (Group A) and Venezuela, Dominicana, Panama, Puerto Rico and Brazil (Group B). The four teams with best win loss record pass on to a second round. Games still to go are as follows:First Round: 16 July 14, 1999 3 pm Panama vs. Venezuela 5:30 pm US vs. Panama 8 pm Brazil vs. Puerto Rico 10:15 pm Cuba vs. Argentina17 July 3 pm Canada vs. Uruguay 5:30 pm Argentina vs. US 8 pm Puerto Rico vs. Panama 10:15 pm Venezuela vs. DR18 July 3 pm Uruguay vs. Argentina 5:30 pm US vs. Cuba 8 pm DR vs. Puerto Rico 10:15 pm Panama vs. Brazil19 July/22 July First four of each groupSemifinals 24 July Best of four25 July Finals
