In what proved to be a fitting ending to the tournament, the Puerto Rican side fell 83-81 behind with just 38 seconds left on the clock before Ricky Sanchez netted a three-pointer to earn a dramatic triumph.

Jose Juan Barea led the scoring charts for Puerto Rico, the most successful nation in Centrobasket history, as he bagged 17 points with nine assists and two rebounds on his way to the competiton’s Most Valuable Player award.

Hector Hernandez was again the star of the show for Mexico but his haul of 20 points and 10 assists proved to be in vain as they were dethroned by Puerto Rico.

The Dominican Republic sealed the bronze medal as they overcame hosts Panama 64-48 to clinch their second consecutive third place finish.

Sadiel Rojas of the Dominican Republic and Panamanian Jaime Llloreda shared the game’s top-scoring honours as both players ended with 11 points.

The opening quarter of the eagerly-anticipated final was a close-knit affair as Puerto Rico managed to shade it 24-22 before they thought they had opened up a decisive lead in the second.

They seized control of the match by establishing an 18-point advantage but Mexican star Hernandez hauled them back into contention with another inspired performance.

Mexico had reduced their arrears to three points as they trailed 65-62 going into the final quarter and moved to the brink of a successful title defence when they edged ahead in the dying stages.

Puerto Rico, however, showed their character and resilience and Sanchez’s inch-perfect three pointer found the target before they held on to secure a superb victory.