Mexico claim Centrobasket U17 Women's Championship 2019 title in San Juan

SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - Mexico was crowned champion of the Centrobasket U17 Women’s Championship 2019, with a 61-56 win over Puerto Rico.

 
The Mexican team took the reins of the game thanks to an effective defense that bothered the Puerto Rican team, that did not allow the home team to play their high-octane offense in transition.

Puerto Rico tried to force shots from the hands of Nina De León and Silkiari Vásquez, and long-distance shots were not falling. Mexico, on the other hand, had more serenity and made better decisions in attack to take the victory.

The Puerto Ricans shot for a 25 percent from the field, while the Mexicans shot for a 44 percent from the field.

Irais Aguilera was named the MVP of the Centrobasket U17 Women’s Championship after scoring 17 points in the Final and averaging 9.8 points and 6.6 assists during the tournament.

In the match for the Bronze medal, the Dominican Republic defeated Nicaragua, 55-40, to take the last step on the podium and the last ticket available to the FIBA U18 Women’s Americas Championship 2020.

 After an even first half, the Dominican Republic secured their win with a 21-3 third quarter. Ashley Báez and Glorivel Rodríguez led the attack for the Dominicans with nine points each.

For its part, Costa Rica finished the regional tournament in fifth place following a 73-50 win over the Bahamas. Meanwhile, El Salvador defeated Barbados, 79-30, to finish the tournament with the seventh position.

Final positions:
1. Mexico *
2. Puerto Rico *
3. Dominican Republic *
4. Guatemala
5. Costa Rica
6. Bahamas
7. El Salvador
8. Barbados

* Qualified to the FIBA U18 Women's Americas Championship 2020

FIBA