SAN GERMAN, Puerto Rico – The Virgin Islands men's basketball team struggled in the second half against Puerto Rico on Sunday en route to losing the initial contest of the Central America and Caribbean University Games.
Puerto Rico's Erick Rodriquez scored all 21 of his points after halftime as the home team outscored the Virgin Islands 56-30 in the second half. The game was tied 27-27 at intermission.
Cuthbert Victor, a recent St. Joseph School graduate and Murray State signee, led the Virgin Islands with 14 points. He had seven points in each the first and second half.
Kevin Sheppard, who plays at Jacksonville State, added 10 points for the Virgin Islands, which will take on Barbados at 4 p.m. today.
The top two teams in the six-team men's field will advance to Saturday's championship. The third-and fourth-place teams in the preliminary round will compete for the bronze medal.
The Virgin Islands women's team will take the court for the first time today against Mexico.
Rodriquez highlighted Puerto Rico's second half charge. He had five 3-pointers. Puerto Rico teammates Rafael Ufret scored nine of his 13 points in the second half and Angel Burreto had six of his 12 points after intermission.
The Virgin Islands' delegation took part in the opening ceremony on Sunday night at the Inter American University. Alphonso Niles, a member of the V.I. basketball team, carried the flag for the Virgin Islands during the ceremony.
