Day 3: Canada and Argentina still perfect

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2017) – Canada and Argentina remain undefeated with added wins, as Puerto Rico bettered its chances of qualifying to the Semi-Finals with a win over Paraguay, and Colombia captured its first win of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2017.

Colombia leveled its record at one, after a 70-63 win over the Virgin Islands. The Colombians escaped to a 19-point lead, with great defense that led to easy basket on fast breaks. Virgin Islands had better rhythm in the second half and started to discount with great job from Day and Tate, who combined for 30 of the team’s points. Colombia kept a safe distance on the scoreboard, and Virgin Islands’ turnovers appeared on the defining moments of the game, and that allowed the Colombians to capture their first win of the championship. Tathiana Mosquera was the best scorer for the Colombians with 15 points.

Canada extended its perfect record to 3-0 after a 65-39 win over Mexico. Lisa Thomaidis’ team took control of the leaderboard and never let-go of the advantage. Mexico had great moments, but it was in the third quarter that the Canadians kicked it up a notch, produced a 21-8 quarter and sentenced the game. The Canadians won the rebounding battle 37-29 and produced 16 assists in the game. Niarra Fields was the top performer for the defending champs with 13 points.

Puerto Rico took a huge step closer to the Semi-Final qualification with a win over Paraguay 81-67. The teams battled evenly throughout the first ten minutes of the games, but with 51 percent shooting from the field the Boricuas took a slight 6-point lead at the end of the first half. Michelle Gonzalez did a great job stopping Paraguay’s offensive powerhouse Paola Ferrari, as Jerry Batista’s team continued to add to the difference. Paraguay closed the gap in the scoreboard, but the Boricuas closed the game better and took the important win. All but one of the Puerto Ricans got points in the scoreboard, with Marie Placido leading the way with 14 points, 12 of those coming from long range.

Argentina added a new win in Group A action after defeating Venezuela 79-59. The Argentinians had a better start and escaped to an early lead after a 21-12 first quarter. Venezuela discounted from the difference with a great performance from Yosimar Corrales, who had 19 points in the game. Argentina maintained the distance with 43% shooting from the field and 20 assists. Argentina took control of the game and secured the win.

Tomorrow on the fourth day of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2017, Group B will feature Paraguay taking on Mexico and Cuba facing Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, Group A will present Brazil vs. Virgin Islands and the host taking on Colombia.

The top-three teams from the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2017 will qualify to the 2018 edition of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain.

FIBA