Antigua and Barbuda's national senior men's basketball team has secured a place in the second round of the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers, capping a historic qualifying campaign with a dominant victory over the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Bulldogs sealed top spot in Group A on Sunday night in Guyana with an emphatic 86-57 win, finishing the qualifying stage with an impressive 3-1 record.
Minister of State and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA), Michael Freeland, praised the team's achievement, calling it a proud moment for the nation. He extended congratulations to the players and coaching staff, while also acknowledging the Government and private sector partners whose support made the campaign possible.
"What a moment for our country and our team. Congratulations to the Bulldogs! Special thank you to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, all of our private donors, the Executive and the planning committee who made this trip possible as well. This victory is for all of us," Freeland said.
Antigua and Barbuda now joins Barbados in advancing from the Caribbean qualifying groups. The second round is scheduled for November 23 to December 1, with a host nation yet to be announced.
The Bulldogs are expected to face Nicaragua, Venezuela, Jamaica, Cuba and Costa Rica in the next phase, with one South American representative still to be determined.
ABBA General Secretary Carlena Knight-Humphreys also celebrated the result, praising the team's determination throughout the campaign and thanking the Government and private sponsors for their backing.
"First off, congratulations to my team, the players, coaching staff and the other officials. We did it! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. I also must thank the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and all our private partners who ensured we got to Guyana. What a journey it has been up to this point but while the celebrations will continue, we look ahead to the next round of games and we hope that many others will come on board and support the team for this next chapter," she said.
The Bulldogs were scheduled to return to Antigua on Monday as preparations begin for the next phase of the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers.
