Nicaragua secured a higher final ranking with a dramatic 92-87 overtime win over Guyana in Managua on 2026-07-18, in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers classification games. The hosts built a commanding lead through three quarters, withstood a furious Guyana rally, and ultimately finished the job in extra time. With this result, Nicaragua will finish above Guyana in the event’s final standings.

TURNING POINT

The decisive moment arrived late in regulation, with 27 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Ruth Adams of Guyana stepped to the line and knocked down the first of two free throws to tie the game at 78-78, sending the contest into overtime.

From 1:25 left in the fourth quarter to 4:16 remaining in overtime, Nicaragua went 3-of-5 from the field without committing a turnover, while Guyana managed just 1-of-4. The deadlock was broken early in the extra period when Kiyomi McMiller hit a two-point jumper with 4:40 left, giving Nicaragua an 80-78 lead they would not relinquish.

GAME HEROES

McMiller stole the spotlight for Nicaragua, pouring in 33 points in 45:00, along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, while committing just 1 turnover and posting a +5 plus-minus. She shot 14-of-31 from the field, including 11-of-21 from two, and delivered 7 points in crunch time when it mattered most.

Gissel Gamble added 25 points in 37:20 on 10-of-24 from the field, including 5-of-14 from deep, while also contributing 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Naomy Alvarez anchored the effort with 6 points, a game-high 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in 40:25, committing just 1 turnover and finishing with a team-best +7 plus-minus.

On the other side, Joy Adams produced a monstrous double-double for Guyana, finishing with 19 points, 22 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals in 45:00. She scored 8 points in crunch time to help force overtime and kept Guyana within striking distance down the stretch.

RUNS

Nicaragua’s biggest run came early in the third quarter, when they unleashed a 10-0 surge from 8:31 to 6:12, stretching the score from 42-32 to 52-32. Gamble contributed 4 points and 2 rebounds during this stretch, while Leisha Romero chipped in 6 points to fuel the run.

Guyana’s most significant run unfolded late in the fourth quarter, as they put together a 9-0 run from 4:22 to 2:53, erasing a 72-65 deficit and seizing a 72-74 lead. Anaya Mc David scored 4 points, grabbed a rebound, and blocked a shot, while Joy Adams added 5 points and a rebound during this pivotal sequence.

BIGGEST LEADS

Nicaragua held the largest lead of the game at 20 points, 52-32, with 6:12 remaining in the third quarter. Guyana’s biggest advantage was a 2-point lead, 72-74, with 2:53 left in the fourth quarter. Despite Guyana’s late surge, Nicaragua ultimately secured the 92-87 overtime win.

TIME SPENT LEADING

Nicaragua led for 42 minutes and 17 seconds, delivering a strong and imposing performance throughout. Guyana held the lead for just 44 seconds, while the teams were tied for 1 minute and 59 seconds.

CRUNCH TIME *

This game featured 9:10 of crunch time, during which Nicaragua outscored Guyana 20-18 in a tense, breathless finish. Gamble was the crunch-time MVP for Nicaragua, contributing 8 points on 3-of-6 from the field, including two three-pointers, without committing a turnover.

Both teams leaned on their starters throughout the closing moments. Nicaragua showed perfect composure at the line, going 4-of-4 from the stripe, while Guyana stayed close by converting 9-of-11 from the line and dominating the glass with 12 rebounds. Ultimately, Nicaragua’s timely shot-making and flawless free-throw shooting proved decisive down the stretch.

** Defined as any stretch in the final five minutes with the margin at five points or fewer.

LINEUPS

The most effective lineup for Nicaragua featured Leisha Romero, Sharen Sambola, Kiyomi McMiller, Naomy Alvarez, and Gissel Gamble. This group played 15 minutes and 37 seconds together and posted a +14 plus-minus, proving decisive in sealing the overtime win.

Nicaragua’s overtime win over Guyana was a true thriller, marked by big runs, clutch performances, and a dramatic finish. The hosts built a commanding lead, survived a late Guyana comeback, and delivered when it mattered most to secure a higher final ranking in the Centrobasket Qualifiers.