Mexico's Orlando Mendez (middle) (Photo : Reuters)
Host and nation and 2013 winners Mexico plays hard-fighting Panama in the fourth game of September 3 matches in the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship held at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City.
Panama pulled off a surprising 78-71 victory against Uruguay on their opening game last Tuesday.
Veteran forward Michael Hicks led the Panamanians attack with a game-high 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field. Fellow starter Leonardo Pomare contributed 17 points while center Jose Lloreda had eight points and 11 rebounds in the contest, as per the tournament's official website.
Coach David Rosario's squad will battle Kenny Atkinson and the Dominican Republic on Wednesday before this tipoff with Mexico.
Meanwhile, the hosts got off to a good start after defeating the Dominican Republic in their opener, 84-66 behind the 18 points and 11 rebounds of 2013 FIBA Americas MVP Gustavo Ayon.
The Mexicans also had 24 markers from resident sharpshooter Orlando Mendez, via FIBA Live Stats, and they will then face undermanned team Brazil on September 2 prior to this game against Panama.
Ayon is anticipated to lord it over the young Brazilian frontline of Augusto Lima and J.P. Batista. Brazil did not bring in their NBA veterans Tiago Splitter, Nenê, and Anderson Varejão in this year's competitions.
Mexico is expected to win against Panama as well, but with the current ferocity of Rosario's men, they might give the defending champs a tough battle or even a shocking upset.
Sergio Valdeolmillos' crew would still prevail, albeit in a highly-contested match before pulling away in the end.
Prediction: Mexico wins, 90-78
Panama starting five: Jose Lloreda (C), Leonardo Pomare (PF), Michael Hicks (SF), Josimar Ayarza (SG), Trevor Gaskins (PG)
Mexico starting five: Gustavo Ayon (C), Hector Hernandez (PF), Juan Toscano (SF), Orlando Mendez (SG), Jorge Gutierrez (PG)
