MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina — The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico won in the second round of the Olympic basketball qualifying tournament for the Americas Monday, a day marred by a serious injury to Dominican Republic guard Edgar Sosa.
The Dominican Republic beat Panama 92-68, but lost Sosa for at least six months after he broke his right leg with only 37.9 seconds remaining in the game.
Sosa was injured when he fell among a pack of players under the basket. Teammates and opposition players were near tears as they gathered around him following the fall. Both of his lower right leg bones appeared to have snapped, leaving his leg bent at a grotesque angle.
"We are destroyed," team spokesman Leo Lopez said. "He leaves a difficult void to fill, both as a player and as a person."
FIBA, the world governing body of basketball, said the former Louisville player would remain in hospital for two days following surgery.
Sosa finished with 13 points and eight assists.
"We will have to work mentally to overcome this," Lopez said. "Sosa is a beloved player. It will not be easy for any of us."
Luis Flores led the Dominican Republic with 17 points. Danilo Pinocnk led Panama with 23.
Puerto Rico beat Venezuela 94-82. Daniel Santiago topped Puerto Rico with 22 points in its victory over Venezeula, going 6 for 6 from 3-point range. Alex Galindo also had 22.
Axiers Sucre topped Venezuela with 18 points.
In late matches, Argentina played Canada, and Brazil faced Uruguay.
Play ends Sunday with the top two teams qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.
The Dominican Republic and Puerto both improved to 4-1 in the tournament and are among the favorites to claim the berths in London. Argentina is the only undefeated team with a 4-0 record going into its late match on Monday.