Puerto Rico score smooth win over Honduras

PONCE, Puerto Rico, May 22, 2014 – It took a while for Puerto Rico to capture a good rhythm but once they got it the home side cruised to an easy victory over Honduras in the second match of the NORCECA Men’s World Championship Qualification Tournament Pool R at Juan “Pachín” Vicens Auditorium on Thursday.

Backed by a crowd of around 1,500 spectators, Puerto Rico subdued Honduras in straight sets 25-22, 25-11, 25-14 confirming the pre-tournament predictions as one of the favourites to compete for the only ticket available to the world championship in Poland.

Puerto Rico relied on the offense of Maurice Torres, who made his official debut with the national team recording a match-high 18 points. Ezequiel Cruz and Roberto Muñiz contributed 10 and 8 points, respectively, in the winning effort.

Evans Torres topped Honduras with just 7 points.

Puerto Rican coach David Aleman attributed the slow start to the anxiety of playing the first match of the competition.

“I think the guys were too excited at the start of the match,” Aleman said, “but then we adjusted our game system and the offense ran fluid according to our established plan.”

Torres was elated after his big contribution in his first game with the national team and at their home soil.

“I am very happy for being able to play well and contribute to the triumph,” Torres commented. “Our game progressed with the match but we must continue working until achieving our goal of qualifying to the world championship.”

Honduras’ coach Marcos Tejada couldn’t hide his disappointment after the conclusion of the match.

“It is impossible to play at this level, against a team like Puerto Rico, with only one player contributing in the offense.”