A fairytale for Puerto Rico as they take historic Quarter-Finals ticket

SYDNEY (Australia) - Just four years after losing by 50 points on their FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup debut, a rejuvenated Puerto Rico are celebrating making the Quarter-Finals at the 2022 edition.

“ "It’s monumental and I hope that it brings some joy to the country and that’s all we want to do, through basketball bring some joy."

Hot from the start of their winner-takes-all clash with Korea, Puerto Rico opened up with a 28-10 first quarter salvo and never looked back as they coasted to a 92-73 triumph to take the last Quarter-Finals ticket on offer in Sydney.

The impressive victory completed a true fairytale turnaround as they made the last eight for the first time, also winning two games in the competition for the first time.

They had already dedicated their historic maiden win on opening day to those on the island suffering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Fiona and now they have flown their nation's flag higher than ever with this amazing run into the last eight.

"Making history now for us, with what our country is going through right now with hurricane Fiona. It’s monumental and I hope that it brings some joy to the country and that’s all we want to do, through basketball bring some joy," said team veteran Tayra Melendez, one of the key veterans that played in Puerto Rico's Women's World Cup 2018 campaign.

Mya Hollingshed had a career game against Korea with a spectacular double-double of 29 points and 12 rebounds which resulted in a stunning performance efficiency valuation of 39. Arealla Guirantes also had a strong all-around performance, with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

FIBA