Spanish
Lausanne, Switzerland. — The Swiss national team achieved a historic victory this Saturday by defeating the Dominican Republic 80-76 in the second day of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, which is being held in Lausanne.
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Driven by an euphoric crowd in the Lausanne Arena and with the presence of figures like Clint Capela, Thabo Sefolosha and Kyshawn George in the stands, the Swiss achieved their first victory in the history of the tournament. Furthermore, it is their first men's victory in a world competition since the 1948 Olympic Games. The guard Dario Cokara, just 17 years old, was key in the final minutes, scoring a decisive three-pointer from the corner and adding a free throw to seal the score. "It's an indescribable feeling. We came as underdogs, but we showed that we can compete. I am proud of the team," Cokara said after the match. Dayan Nessah led Switzerland with 23 points, followed by Oliver Sassella with 19 and Andrin Njock with 15. Switzerland had lost in their debut against Israel, but this victory reaffirms the growth of youth basketball in the host country. From the Dominican Republic, Lucas Morillo scored 21 points, Fernando de los Santos added 17 with nine rebounds, and Frank Siaca contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Adrián Brito recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Danny Carbucia distributed six assists. The Dominican Republic, which defeated Jordan in its debut, puts its record at 1-1 and will close the group stage this Tuesday against Israel, a team that remains undefeated in its two presentations.
