Jamaica shock Puerto Rico 92-90 in thrilling World Cup qualifier

Jamaica delivered a major upset by defeating Puerto Rico 92–90 in their opening game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

Kofi Cockburn leads debut performance

Debutant centre Kofi Cockburn dominated the court with 26 points and 15 rebounds, becoming the driving force behind Jamaica’s victory. The 26-year-old’s strong presence in the paint kept Puerto Rico’s defense under pressure throughout the game.

Game highlights

Jamaica held their composure in the final minutes, responding to each Puerto Rican attack with resilient defense and key shots. Puerto Rico, favored to win, struggled to contain Jamaica’s aggressive offensive play and missed key opportunities in the closing seconds.

Reactions and significance

The win marks a promising start for Jamaica in the qualifiers, signaling their growing strength in international basketball. Analysts called the result “a statement victory” for the team’s new generation of players.

“We came here to prove we belong,” said Cockburn after the game. “This is just the beginning for us.”

This performance boosts Jamaica’s confidence as they prepare for their next qualifier matchup.

Author’s summary: Jamaica opened their FIBA World Cup campaign with a stunning 92–90 win over Puerto Rico, powered by Kofi Cockburn’s dominant 26-point, 15-rebound debut.

Jamaica Observer — 2025-11-29