Puerto Rico claim Centrobasket Women's 2018 title in Manati

MANATI (FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2018) – Puerto Rico ended an 8-year drought and claimed the Centrobasket Women’s Championship 2018 Gold Medal after defeating powerhouse Cuba in the Final of the regional tournament.

The host had a better start and escaped to a 7-point lead at the end of the first 10 minutes of the game. With a brilliant Jennifer O’Neill, who had 34 points in the game, the team coached by Jerry Batista added three more points to the difference as the teams went into half-time. With high energy and with great defense, the Boricuas kept adding to the difference, as a packed Juan Aubin Cruz Stadium got louder with the passing minutes. Puerto Rico celebrated the win and the championship. Final score was Puerto Rico 83 – Cuba 54.

After averaging 19 points per game in the Centrobasket Women's Championship, Jennifer O'Neill was named the tournament MVP. 

Mexico took the Bronze Medal of the Centrobasket Women’s Championship 2018 after an 85-81 win over the Dominican Republic. The Dominicans took a slight 9-point lead into half-time following a 31-12 second quarter. The Mexicans won the second half 50-37, to claim the Bronze medal. Jazmin Valenzuela led the scoring for the Mexicans with 18 points.

Bahamas finished the Centrobasket Women’s Championship 2018 with the 5th spot after a 55-49 win over Costa Rica.

Final Positions:
1. Puerto Rico*
2. Cuba*
3. Mexico*
4. Dominican Republic*
5. Bahamas
6. Costa Rica
7. Guatemala

*Qualified to the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2019

FIBA