USA claim the FIBA U16 Women's Americas Championship

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship 2017) – USA defeated Canada 91-46 in the final game to claim FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship 2017 in dominating fashion. Aaliyah Boston was named MVP of the tournament. Argentina won Bronze over Colombia in a dramatic 59-52 victory.

It was a close game for the first 10 minutes of play with USA leading Canada by the score of 27-21. USA’s defensive intensity limited Canada to only 4 points in the second quarter and opened up a comfortable lead in the scoreboard. On the offensive side of the court, USA showed a balanced offensive attack throughout the competition, with five players averaging double figures in scoring. Canada stayed resilient, but it was not enough to overcome a 65-38 deficit at the of the third. In the final quarter, USA remained dominant as in every second of a tournament in which they beat opponents by a difference margin of 53.8 points per game. The final score was 91-46 and Aaliyah Boston was named MVP of the competition, averaging 11.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the five matches USA played in Buenos Aires.

Canada finished the tournament with a 4-1 record and their fifth consecutive medal in the event.

Argentina won the Bronze medal in dramatic fashion over Colombia by the score of 59-52. The hosts led for the first three quarters, when the Colombians mounted an 11-2 run to close the game and send it to overtime. Argentina showed its poise in the extra period and won it behind a huge performance from Florencia Chagas, who had a 20-20 double-double in points and rebounds.

In the fifth-place game, Mexico showed its dominance and defeated Venezuela 71-28. From the get-go, the Mexicans established the rhythm and quickly jumped to a 17-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Shooting for a 43% from the field, the Mexicans kept adding to the difference for the remainder of the game. Mexico was led offensively by Alejandra Arreola with 13 points.

Puerto Rico claimed seventh place of the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship after defeating the Dominican Republic by 76-69. Valeria Verdejo was brilliant for Puerto Rico with 17 points. Katiana Benitez led the Dominican with 20 points.

The final standing of the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship:
1. USA
2. Canada
3. Argentina
4. Colombia
5. Mexico
6. Venezuela
7. Puerto Rico
8. Dominican Republic

To catch a replay of every game of the competition, visit youtube.com/fiba.

FIBA