The Dominican Republic beat holders Mexico 82-69 to maintain their undefeated status at the Men's Central American and Caribbean Basketball Championship in Panama City ©FIBA

The Dominican Republic beat holders Mexico 82-69 to maintain their undefeated status at the Men's Central American and Caribbean Basketball Championship in Panama City.

Eloy Vargas and Angel Delgado were the players of the match at the Roberto Durán Arena, combining for 37 points as the Dominicans took the outright lead in Group B with three wins out of three.

Defeat for defending champions Mexico was their first in the event since the 2012 edition, when they were eliminated in the group stage.

The other match in Group B saw the US Virgin Islands overcome Costa Rica 75-68 to move level with Mexico on five points, one behind the Dominican.

Mexico face Bahamas on the final day of group stage action tomorrow, while the Dominican meet the US Virgin Islands.

Hosts Panama preserved their 100 per cent record
Hosts Panama preserved their 100 per cent record ©FIBA

In Group A, hosts Panama preserved their 100 per cent record with a 99-60 victory over Nicaragua.

Puerto Rico kept up the pressure on the frontrunners, defeating Cuba 101- 69 ahead of their final group game against Antigua and Barbuda.

Panama go up against Cuba tomorrow looking to secure their place in the knock-out round.

The semi-finals and final are scheduled for Friday (June 24) and Saturday (June 25) respectively.

Ten teams are participating in the event also known as Centrobasket.

The top five teams will automatically qualify for Division A of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification and for the 2017 FIBA Americup, with the top seven qualifying for the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games.