Mexico, chasing their second consecutive Centrobasket crown, ended the hopes of hosts Panama with a narrow 59-52 success as Hector Hernandez chipped in with a haul of 12 points.

Earlier on the penultimate day of the tournament, 10-times winners Puerto Rico were also involved in a hard-fought encounter as they overcame the Dominican Republic 74-69.

The two sides will clash for the 2016 Centrobasket title tomorrow, with the Dominican Republic and Panama consigned to the third-place play-off.

The Virgin Islands secured fifth spot by comfortably beating Cuba 95-70, which guaranteed their place in Division A of the new International Basketball Federation (FIBA) competition system, due to come into effect in 2017.

Mexico began the brighter of the two teams in their semi-final match with Panama and managed to edge the first quarter 18-15.

The host nation rallied in the second but trailed by one point at the half-time interval, with the Mexicans narrowly 32-31 in front.

The third quarter proved to be crucial as Mexico found their attacking range, outscoring their opponents by 18 points to 11.

That gave them a healthy lead going into the final stanza and Hernandez then took control to help guide his side to the final.

Puerto Rico had fallen 10 points behind the Dominican Republic in their semi-final but fought back with a 22-13 third quarter in their favour to move to the brink of victory.

The Dominican Republic were unable to recover from that setback as Puerto Rico’s Jose Juan Barea was involved in the final eight points to ensure they will go up against Mexico in a repeat of the 2014 final.

Puerto Rico will be hoping to avenge the 74-60 defeat they suffered to the Mexicans two years ago.