Dominican Republic Women Roll Past Nicaragua in Centrobasket Championship

The Dominican Republic women’s national basketball team delivered a commanding performance on July 16, 2026, defeating Nicaragua 90-54 in the Central America Women's Centrobasket Championship. Played in San Salvador, the Group A matchup saw the Dominican Republic impose its will from the opening whistle, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

Match Overview

Dominican Republic’s relentless full-court pressure smothered Nicaragua’s offense, forcing turnovers that quickly turned into easy transition baskets. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 28 points (48-20), and the second half was largely academic. Nicaragua fought hard but could not handle the size and athleticism of the Dominican squad, which shot 48% from the floor while holding its opponent to just 31%.

The 90-54 final score accurately reflected a lopsided contest where the Dominican Republic dominated the paint (48-22 points in the key) and controlled the glass (45-31 rebound advantage).

Standout Players

• Dominican Republic: Power forward Yeny Contreras recorded a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Nelly Reynoso dished out 8 assists and added 14 points. Center Mariel Santos contributed 12 points and 8 boards.
• Nicaragua: Forward Isabela Miranda led her team with 16 points, and point guard Daniela Gomez added 10 points and 4 assists.

Key Moments

The game was effectively decided in the first quarter, when the Dominican Republic opened with a 14-2 run. Nicaragua never recovered, and a 9-0 burst early in the second quarter extended the lead to 30-10. Dominican Republic’s bench provided 35 points, showcasing the team’s depth as the tournament progresses.

Centrobasket Championship Implications

With this win, the Dominican Republic improved to 2-0 in group play, making them strong contenders for the semifinals. Nicaragua, now 0-2, must win its remaining games to avoid elimination. The tournament serves as a qualifying pathway for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, adding extra stakes for every matchup. Dominican Republic’s cohesive defense and balanced scoring make them a team to watch in the competition.

For Nicaragua, the experience against a higher-ranked opponent provides valuable lessons. The team will look to regroup before facing Belize in its next group-stage contest.