The Dominican Republic reaped yet another golden triumph as two last-minute free throws team captain Jack Michael Martinez gave the Dominican team first place honors in the 2004 edition of Centrobasket. The tournament, held in Santo Domingo, is formally known as the Central American and Caribbean Basketball Tournament. Martinez, who was named the tournament MVP, nailed two free throws with just 9.5 seconds remaining on the clock to beat Puerto Rico and break their 14-game winning streak. The Dominican team was leading at the half-time by 40-34 after a 14-3 run that featured Martinez, Amaury Filion and Marlon Martinez. Jack Micheal Martinez led the scoring with 19 points and added 13 rebounds, followed by Amaury Filion, who had 12 points and 6 rebounds. The Dominican team dominated the boards with 41 rebounds to Puerto Rico?s 31. This marks the second time the Dominican Republic has won the tournament, the first having taken place in Panama in 1977. Last night?s victory also signals the arrival of a new generation of DR basketball stars, some of whom are bound for the NBA.
The International Basketball Federation described the win as such: ?Hosts the Dominican Republic created a shock in the Centrobasket final when they defeated hot favorites Puerto Rico. In a thrilling finale, the Dominicans won 75-74 to take the gold medal and ended their rivals? hopes of a third title in a row. The Dominican Republic team had lost to Puerto Rico in last year?s final match. The DR won a ticket to compete in the Americas Basketball Tournament in 2005.?