Canada earn ticket to Olympic Qualifying Tournament, USA still undefeated

EDMONTON (Canada) | BAHÍA BLANCA (Argentina) - Canada (2-0) earned a hard-fought win over Puerto Rico (1-1) 84-80 and captured its ticket to the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in February 2020, after ensuring the top spot in Group A of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Americas Tournament, that is being played simultaneously in the cities of Edmonton, Canada and Bahia Blanca, Argentina.

 
The Canadian squad used every ounce of energy provided by the fans that packed into the Edmonton EXPO Center, scored six free-throws in the last moments of the game to secure the win and the top position of Group A.

After Puerto Rico dramatically tied the score at 78-78, with a four-point play from Pamela Rosado, with 32 seconds remaining, Canada regained the lead (80-78) with two free-throws from Kia Nurse.

Then, the Puerto Ricans had their chance of tying the score, but Jennifer O'Neill, who had been the leading figure of the team with 21 points, missed her two free-throws from the line. Canada added two more free-throws from the hands of Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe and opened the difference to 82-78. Puerto Rico scored quickly with a lay-up from Dayshalee Salamán, but with four seconds, Jamie Scott scored two more free-throw, to secure the win for her team.

Raincock-Ekunwe led the Canadian offense with an impressive “double-double” of 27 points and 11 rebounds. Nurse added 17 points and Miranda Ayim 11. For the Boricuas, in addition to the 21 points of O'Neill, Jazmon Gwathmey had 16 and Rosado scored 11.

In the same Group, Cuba (1-1) added an important victory after defeating the Dominican Republic (0-2), 70-68, to maintain qualification aspirations.

The match was even, but the Cubans began to tip the scales in their favor when Suchitel Avila scored a three-pointer with 2:15 left.

Dominican Republic cut the difference to one after a couple of free-throws from Sugeiry Monsac. Then Cuba, in its next offensive, turned over the ball. The Dominicans tried their best, but Cuba’s defense cost a turnover. Avila received an unsportsmanlike foul and was sent to the free-throw line where she scored one of two attempts. Cuba held on to the ball for the remaining eight seconds and celebrated the victory.

Anisleidy Galindo with 25 points and nine rebounds, was the leading force in the Cuban offense, while Ávila and Yamara Amargo added 16 points each. For the Dominican team, Monsac finished with 25 points and Charlenny Frías added 13 points.

In Bahía Blanca, USA (2-0) maintained undefeated status, after comfortably defeating Argentina (0-2), 91-34.

The North Americans imposed their rhythm and controlled the game on both sides of the court. At the end of the first two quarters, USA had a 44-13 lead. The team coached by Cheryl Reeve scored 54 points from the painted area and 25 points in fastbreaks. Argentina summed 26 turnovers, and the USA took advantage to get 32 points.

Sylvia Fowles (seven rebounds) and the Diamond De Shields scored 13 points each for the USA, who shot for a for a very high 61 percent from the field. Nneka Ogwumike contributed 12 points, Kelsey Plum 11 points and A’ja Wilson 10 points.

In the other match of Group B, Brazil (1-1) leveled its record after winning a vital game against Colombia (1-1) 61-33.

Brazil set the pace with their strong defense that did not allow Colombia to flow in offense. In fact, the Colombians scored their first field goal with 1:30 left of the first half.

Although in the second half the Colombian team improved, Brazil had already built a solid advantage and kept its opponent at bay to take the comfortable win.

Damiris Dantas and Patty Texeira scored 10 points each for the Brazilians, who showed a very collective offense.

On the last day of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Americas Tournament, Cuba will face Puerto Rico to determine the second qualified team out of Group A, and Canada will face the Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile, in Bahia Blanca, USA will face Colombia and Argentina will face Brazil to determine the two teams that will qualify to the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament out of Group B.

FIBA