Uruguay strengthened its position in the race for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup with an important 80-75 victory over Puerto Rico at Antel Arena in Montevideo.

The result moved Uruguay to 6-2 in the Americas Qualifiers, leaving the team tied with Argentina for second place in Group F with four games remaining.

Uruguay had to adjust after Joaquin Rodriguez, one of the leading scorers in the Qualifiers, was ejected following his second technical foul. He had already scored 17 points before leaving the game.

Bruno Fitipaldo and Santiago Vescovi stepped up in his absence. Fitipaldo finished with 20 points and six assists while connecting on five three-pointers. Vescovi contributed 16 points, including 11 during the third quarter.

Gonzalo Iglesias also played a decisive role, scoring 12 points on four three-pointers. His biggest shot came with 19 seconds remaining, when he beat the shot clock with a three to extend Uruguay’s advantage to 77-72.

“The team bounced back from a loss [on Thursday against Bahamas], processed the game and showed an attitude that makes me proud. From a technical and emotional standpoint, they played a very good game. The result was fair,” Uruguay coach Gerardo Jauri said.

For Puerto Rico, the defeat created an increasingly difficult path to the World Cup. The team dropped to 2-6 and can now finish no better than 6-6.

“It’s out of our hands. We have to win everything that’s left and hope the others lose. We’re pretty frustrated,” Gian Clavell said.

Ethan Thompson carried Puerto Rico offensively with 29 points and six assists while making five three-pointers. Jose Alvarado was limited to three points but distributed nine assists.

Puerto Rico has reached every World Cup since missing the 1982 tournament, but that streak is now under serious threat with only four qualifying games remaining.