PUR – Glory for Boricua women

GUADALAJARA (Pan American Games) - Puerto Rico are not a powerhouse in women’s basketball.

Far from it, in fact, considering they haven’t reached the podium at a FIBA Americas Championship for Women in 16 years, when they captured bronze in Hamilton, Canada.

Women’s hoops in Puerto Rico has shown signs of late that it’s on the up, though, starting with a title at the 2010 Centro Basket Championship when they thrashed Jamaica in the Final.

At this year’s FIBA Americas Championship for Women in Neiva, Colombia, Puerto Rico came in fifth.

On Tuesday in Guadalajara, Mexico, Puerto Rico captured the Pan American Games gold medal for the first time.

After upsetting Brazil, 69-68, in the Semi-Finals, Puerto Rico blew away the tournament hosts, 85-67.

"I dedicate this triumph to my players,” said Puerto Rico coach Omar Gonzalez.

“People have no idea how hard my players have worked in the last three to four months.

"Moreover, I want to dedicate this victory to our country.

“I know that things in Puerto Rico are not well, many things are happening that we wouldn't want to take place.

“But I hope they can enjoy this success because these girls fought hard for their country."

Carla Cortijo is the talisman of Puerto Rico and she had 29 points, 10 assists and six rebounds for in the title triumph.

A 24-year-old who has battled back from knee injuries, Cortijo was named MVP of the Pan American Games.

"Puerto Rico has not seen anything yet of Carla Cortijo,” Gonzalez said.

"She was three years without playing, but we got her to work with us and look what she's done."

For the Puerto Rican players and Cortijo, the Pan American Games could not have gone any better.

"It was a team work,” Cortijo said.

“There was a lot of pressure because the public was supporting Mexico a lot and putting us under pressure.

“But the pride of Puerto Rico gave us victory."

FIBA