Jamaica men's basketball squad need Bahamas win to lock in FIBA World Cup qualifying berth

Jamaica's senior men's basketball team step into tonight's FIBA World Cup Qualifier against hosts The Bahamas with a place in the competition's final qualifying phase on the line. A win would confirm their advance to the next stage.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Jamaica time.

Jamaica stand second in Group B on six points, two adrift of leaders Canada. The Bahamas and Puerto Rico hold third and fourth, both on five points.

The Jamaicans also have one fixture left in this qualifying window — a meeting with Canada on July 6.

Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) president Paulton Gordon said he is confident the national side can deliver the result needed to move forward.

"The squad has been training … they came together a few days ago and they have been preparing assiduously. We are hoping to pull this one off. The coach will finalise the squad today (Thursday), so we are looking forward to a great window from the players," Gordon said.

He pointed out that beating The Bahamas would lighten the load before the Canada game and sidestep any worries over tiebreaker rules.

"It is important that we win this game to prevent any other issues as it relates to tiebreakers," he said.