The Antigua and Barbuda senior men's basketball team, the Bulldogs, have advanced to the next round of the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers after topping Group A with an impressive 3-1 record.
The team sealed their group victory with a commanding 86-57 demolition of Turks and Caicos in their final group encounter on Sunday night in Guyana.
Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association (ABBA) President Hon. Michael Freeland celebrated the achievement. "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," he said.
ABBA General Secretary Mrs. Carlena Knight-Humphreys echoed those sentiments while already looking ahead. "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 stated.
Antigua and Barbuda joins Barbados, who advanced from Group B, in the second round of qualifiers. Nicaragua, Venezuela, Jamaica, Cuba, and Costa Rica will also compete in that round, with the South American representative yet to be determined.
The second round is proposed to run from November 23 to December 1. A host country has not yet been announced.
The Bulldogs returned home on Monday.
