Jamaica secured a spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers on Saturday, after defeating Costa Rica 80-76 in a close encounter in Mexico.

Jamaica, by virtue of winning two of their three games, are through to the next round along with Mexico.

Mexico advanced to Group A of the Americas Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, while Jamaica will be placed in Group B.

The Jamaican team, many of whom are playing together for the first time, started the campaign with a 101-79 win over Barbados on Friday, August 8 and followed that up with an overtime 80-76 win over Costa Rica on Saturday, August 9.

The team, led by guard Norman Powell of the NBA team Miami Heat, also include Romario Gill, Kentan Facey, Marcus McDonald, Giovanni Fraser, Prince Foster, Romaine Thomas, Seyi Reiley, Justin Abson, Jordan Kellier, Micah-Imani Swaine and Jalen Menzies.

Having qualified, Jamaica went into the Mexico game on Sunday with talisman Norman Powell and Seyi Reiley and lost 61-90. Centre Romario Gill top-scored with 14 points. Powell had top-scored against Costa Rica with 34 points.

Powell had 5 three-pointers and 11 free throws. He recorded 3 steals, 2 assists, and was the only Jamaican player to score double figures. Romaro Gill followed with eight points while pulling down 18 rebounds and blocking 3 shots.