Dwight Gaines scored 32 points to lead Puerto Rico to a 92-78 victory over Slovenia in the FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey. Gaines also had four assists and six steals. He was effective, shooting 25-12 from the field and making five free throws in six attempts.
Jeremy Willmore added 17 points, Eduyn Andino had 12 points and seven rebounds, and Alexis Fuentes scored 11. Slovenia's Lun Jarc had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Puerto Rico led 39-35 at halftime and expanded their lead in the second half, outscoring Slovenia 53-43.
The team, led by coach Orlando 'Landy' Pantoja, was ranked 11th in the tournament by FIBA, while Slovenia was ranked 8th. Puerto Rico is part of Group C along with Slovenia, New Zealand, and host Turkey, and will play New Zealand on Sunday.