Antigua and Barbuda’s senior men’s basketball team has advanced to the second round of the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers after defeating the Turks and Caicos Islands 86-57 to top Group A in Guyana.

The Bulldogs finished the opening stage with a 3-1 record, securing their place in the next phase of the continental competition, which is scheduled to take place from 23 November to 1 December.

Minister of State and Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association President Michael Freeland congratulated the players, coaching staff, government and private sponsors, describing the qualification as a proud achievement for the country.

ABBA General Secretary Carlena Knight-Humphreys also praised the team’s commitment and thanked supporters who helped fund the campaign. She said the focus now shifts to preparing for the next round and attracting additional support.

Antigua and Barbuda joins Barbados as one of the Caribbean teams to progress and is expected to face opponents including Nicaragua, Venezuela, Jamaica, Cuba and Costa Rica. The host nation for the next stage has not yet been confirmed.

The Bulldogs are due to return home on Monday before beginning preparations for the next round.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Michael Freeland Hails Bulldogs After FIBA AmeriCup Qualification.