Puerto Rico will face Mexico in the FIBA Centrobasket final after a hard-fought 74-69 semi-final win over the Dominican Republic.

Dubbed the 'Caribbean Clasico', the historic rivalry got a new chapter as the Puerto Ricans prevailed in a topsy-turvy game.

The Dominican Republic built a 10-point lead in the first half, but a 22-13 run to close out the third quarter was enough to see Puerto Rico over the line, with Dallas Mavericks man J.J. Barea putting in a decisive final three minutes.

Defending champions Mexico await after seeing off hosts Panama in a 59-52 thriller.

The two sides exchanged the lead on numerous occasions, but the Mexicans won the day with an 18-11 third quarter proving decisive ahead of a tight final period.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Virgin Islands earned fifth spot at the tournament and their place in the Division A World Cup qualifiers by defeating Cuba 95-70, while Bahamas beat Nicaragua 120-77 to seal seventh spot.