MIAMI (FIBA Americas League) - The Miami Tropics finished the first round undefeated in three games by beating Arecibo 81-71 to end Group B action in the FIBA Americas League.

The team from Miami (3-0) and Halcones de Xalapa (1-2), qualified to the next round that starts on January 14. Halcones take on Soles de Mexicali while Miami Tropics start on January 17 against Cangrejeros de Santurce.

Jermaine Watson was once again the key figure for the winners with 24 points and was followed by Sylbrin Robinson and Stuard Baldonado with ten points each.

In a losing effort Angel Figueroa had 25 points.

Capitanes started the game with a 9-3 run and won the first quarter 17-11 with 12 points between Rafael Cruz, Angel Figueroa and Tony Massenburg.

The Tropics recuperated in the second quarter as Jermaine Watson netted 15 points to have a 40-30 lead and never lost it.

Miami had a 58-52 lead after three quarters and a 10-2 run in the final minutes sealed the gam,e as they had a 81-67 advantage with 54 seconds after a basket by Terrence Shelman.

Arecibo was one of the favorites to reach the second round but the lack of consistency from their imports and the loss of Bobby Joe Hatton was too much in a very competitive group.

The Tropics were the surprise sweeping the round thanks to Jermaine Watson and an excellent team game led by head coach Don Kelbick who demands intensity and discipline on both sides.