Mickle's 24 not enough as Guyana falls to Turks and Caicos

Mickle’s 24 not enough as Guyana falls to Turks and Caicos

Jul 09, 2026 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s campaign at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers got off to a disappointing start last evening as the host nation suffered a 68-55 defeat to the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Mickle's 24 not enough as Guyana falls to Turks and Caicos

Team Guyana ahead of tip-off against Turks and Caicos Islands.

Despite a game-high 24 points from Kevin Mickle, Guyana was unable to overcome a disciplined Turks and Caicos side that capitalised on key moments to secure an important opening victory.

Backed by a vocal home crowd, Guyana showed promise early and held a narrow 12-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

However, the visitors seized control in the second period, outscoring the hosts 21-11 to take a commanding halftime advantage.

Nikkoloi Smith in action against Turks and Caicos Islands.

Guyana attempted to mount a comeback after the break, but although the third quarter ended 24-19 in favour of the home side, the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

Turks and Caicos maintained their composure in the final period to close out the contest and hand Guyana a disappointing opening defeat.

Kevin Mickle had a game-high 24 points in a losing effort for Guyana.

Ethan Taylor led the scoring for the Turks and Caicos Islands with 16 points, while the team’s balanced offensive display proved decisive against a Guyanese side that struggled to find consistent scoring support for Mickle.

Mickle was the lone Guyanese player to finish in double figures, producing an impressive 24-point performance. Kevon Wiggins contributed nine points, but no other player managed to significantly impact the scoresheet as the hosts found it difficult to break down the Turks and Caicos defence.

The loss leaves Guyana with little room for error in the tournament, where only the group winner will advance to the next stage of the FIBA AmeriCup qualification process.

Elsewhere on the opening day, Barbados cruised to an emphatic 89-54 victory over the Cayman Islands, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines defeated Grenada 85-66. Antigua and Barbuda also enjoyed a winning start, recording an 82-50 triumph over Bermuda.

The tournament continues today, Thursday with another full slate of matches.

The Cayman Islands will face Grenada, Haiti take on Barbados, Dominica meet the Turks and Caicos Islands, while Guyana return to action against Antigua and Barbuda in what has already become a must-win encounter for the home side.

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Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, FIBA, FIBA AmeriCup 2029, Turks and Caicos

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