Final repeat and history for Venezuela

EDMONTON (2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship) - The penultimate day at the 2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship proved an intriguing one after it fixed up a repeat of the 2013 Final and also witnessed Venezuela booking a trip to the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) for the very first time.

Clenia Noblet kept Cuba on course in their quest to successfully defend their crown after producing a majestic 29 points and 14 rebounds for her team in an 89-79 Semi-Final success against Argentina.

The forward proved too hot to handle in the paint and with Argentina spilling the ball 18 times in the contest, Cuba were able to take control and book successive places in the Final of the competition.

Once again they will meet Canada, with this year's hosts having little difficulty in despatching Brazil with a power-packed 83-66 Semi-Final victory.

Central to the triumph was Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe who could barely miss in a superb display. She posted a wonderful 7-of-8 shooting effort on her way to a headline 18 points.

Canada made their move in a one-sided third quarter and were rampant both in the paint and on the glass as they overran their opponents inside to set up an opportunity of extracting revenge on Cuba for their last day loss in Xalapa two years ago.

Meanwhile, there were scenes of unbridled joy for Venezuela after they celebrated the 80th birthday of their Federation in the best possible way - by clinching a maiden place at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

Daniela Wallen emerged as the game hero with 18 points as Venezuela hit back from a horror 24-9 opening to eventually storm back and take a historic 65-56 win against Puerto Rico and seal the coveted fifth spot.

Go to fiba.com/Americaswomen2015 for full coverage of the 2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship. 

FIBA