CAN/CUB - Canada grabs the Bronze medal and qualifies for the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women:

CUIABÁ (FIBA Americas Championship for Women) – Canada qualified for the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women after beating Cuba 59-49 in overtime at the FIBA Americas Championship for Women played in Cuiabá, Brazil.

Canada dominated the first half 28-21, after getting the first quarter 16-13,  with a balanced attack led by guard Teresa Gabriele who netted 11 points while Jordan Adams had 8 and Kaela Chapdelaine 7. Suchitel Avila led the Cubans with 7 points. The Canadians dominated the rebounds 22-14 where seven of them were offensive.

In the third quarter Cuba came out with an aggressive defense that forced turnovers by Canada and they won 19-6 to finish up 40-34 after finishing with five straight points by Yulizeny Soria in the final 28 seconds.

Both teams exchanged the lead many times and with 2.6 seconds Chelsea Aubry made a three pointer to have a 48-45 lead. Cuba came back and Yulizeny Soria made an increible three pointer to force the game into overtime tied at 48.

The Canadians jumped to a 51-48 lead after a three pointer by Kaela Chapdelaine with 2:52 and never looked back as they put a good effort on both sides of the court to qualify for the World Championship. Canada has both the men's and women's team in the FIBA World Championship.

Teresa Gabriele scored 15 points and Kaela Chapdelaine along with Jordan Adams netted 13 points each for Canada. Gabriele also had 11 rebounds and 3 assists.

In the loss Suchitel Avila scored 13 points and Yulizeny Soria 12.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas