South American U17 Women’s Championship tips off with wins for Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Chile

SUCRE (FIBA U18 Women’s Americas Championship) - The first day of the South American U17 Women’s Championship 2017 saw victories for Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Chile.

South American U17 action began with a dominant win for Argentina over Peru 79-43. The Argentinians jumped right into the game with a 18-8 first quarter and never looked back, winning the remainder of the quarters for the win. Argentina shot the ball for a 46% from the field and won the rebounding battle 42-31. Sofia Acevedo was the leading scorer for Hernan Anaya’s team with 15 points.

Colombia captured its first win of the South American U17 Women’s Championship over Uruguay 70-44. The Colombians won the first quarter 19-7 and went on to gain a comfortable lead over the opponent after a 21-8 third quarter. The Uruguayans won the last quarter, but the established lead secured the win for the Colombians. The top scorer for Colombia was Hamileth Ulloa with 12 points.

Venezuela came from behind to defeat Ecuador 77-73 during the first day of competition of the South American U17 Women’s Championship. Ecuador won the first half by a 8-point difference, but the second half belonged to the Venezuelans 47-35. Venezuela celebrated the win, thanks in part to the performance of Odeth Betancourt, who had 8 points and 14 rebounds in the Venezuelan win.

Chile debuted at the South American U17 Women’s Championship with a 75-62 win over host Bolivia. Chile established the game rhythm from the get-go and captured a comfortable lead on the scoreboard after a 22-11 second quarter. Chile kept adding to the difference and took the win. The top performer for Chile was Jovanka Ljubetic with 27 points and 4 rebounds.

Tomorrow on the second day of the Group Phase, Ecuador will take on Colombia, Uruguay will face Venezuela, Chile will face Argentina and Peru will take on Bolivia.

At the end of the tournament, the top three teams will qualify to the FIBA U18 Women’s Americas Championship 2018.

FIBA