MEDELLIN (Colombia) – The Bay Area Phoenix made a strong debut in the WBL Americas, becoming the first U.S. club to compete in the league. They defeated Pioneras de Delicias 81-69 on Friday night at the Coliseo Ivan de Bedout in Medellin, Colombia.
The Phoenix struck first in a competitive opening quarter, with Rebecca Harris helping to extend their early lead. However, Pioneras’ Jazmin Valenzuela quickly responded, keeping the game close. Danielle Robinson and Ameela Li then provided a boost for the Phoenix, but Pioneras’ Taiyier Parks trimmed the lead to just two points. A late three-pointer by Jazmine Jackson put the Phoenix ahead by five as the quarter ended. The second quarter saw both teams trading baskets. Paulina Rodriguez's three-pointer brought Pioneras within one point, and shortly after, Adriana Romero's triple gave them the lead. Yet, the Phoenix’s resilience showed as Li and Aliyah Collier regained control, with Jackson adding key points. By halftime, Bay Area led 32-26, thanks to Collier's 11 points, three rebounds, and two steals, while Jackson contributed eight points and three rebounds.
Entering the third quarter, the Phoenix had momentum but faced pressure from Pioneras’ Camila Suarez and A'jah Davis. A crucial three-pointer by Aquira Decosta extended the Phoenix’s lead to nine, and free throws from Jackson pushed the Phoenix ahead by double digits. Bay Area maintained at least a seven-point advantage throughout the quarter, heading into the final frame with a 10-point lead.
In the fourth quarter, Collier and Jackson continued to dominate, pushing the Phoenix lead to as many as 19 points. Their defense capitalized on turnovers, scoring 17 points off those opportunities. Despite being outplayed in the paint and allowing second-chance points, Bay Area’s overall control sealed the victory. Collier led the Phoenix with 24 points, four assists, and three steals. Jazmine Jackson added 16 points, five rebounds, and three three-pointers, while Li chipped in 11 points.
For Pioneras, Suarez paced the team with 15 points, while Davis posted a double-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in the loss. The Bay Area Phoenix will face Salvadoreñas on Saturday. If the Phoenix win and Indeportes defeats Pioneras de Delicias, both teams will secure their ticket to the Final Four in November. Jennifer Muñoz’s 17 points and Yuliany Paz’s 3 blocks led Indeportes to victory on Friday night in front of their home crowd. FIBA