VALDIVIA (FIBA Americas U18) – Canada and Puerto Rico added wins and qualified to the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Americas U18 Women’s Championship. Meanwhile, USA added another impressive victory and Venezuela leveled its record at 1-1.

Venezuela leveled its FIBA Americas U18 Women’s Championship at one win – one loss, after defeating Guatemala 82-57. Venezuela dominated the proceedings from the get go, winning the first quarter 26-15. Venezuela shot for a 55% from the field, and for a 46% from three-point land. Oscar Silva’s team adjusted to a full-court press and started gaining distance on the scoreboard, on their way to the victory.

Dayenlis Veliz was the top scorer for the Venezuelans with 19 points. Meanwhile, for the Guatemalans the top scorer was Rosales with 14 points.

In a dramatic contest, Puerto Rico held on to a one-point win during the last minute to take a 72-71 victory over Mexico. Puerto Rico overcame a slow start, where the Mexicans took an 11 point lead during the first quarter, and tied the game during the third quarter. The last 10 minutes of the game were intense and emotional. The Boricuas took a 6-point lead during the last minutes of the game, but Mexico cut the lead to one, when a minute remained. Puerto Rico held on to the lead and took its second win of the FIBA Americas U18 Women’s Championship, qualifying to the Semi-Finals of the championship.

India Pagan was the top performer for the Puerto Ricans after completing a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.

USA captured its second win of the continental championship after dominating Brazil, 80-59. Brazil had a better start of the game but the North Americans took over and won the first quarter, 25-16. USA kept adding and headed to the victory. USA now tops Group A and remain perfect in the first round of the FIBA Americas U18 Women’s Championship.

Canada dominated from start to finish Chile and qualified along with Puerto Rico to the Semi-Finals of the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Women’s Championship. Canada started the game better and expanded to a commanding lead after dominating the first quarter 29-9. Canada kept adding and took the victory, 88-39.

Brown and Jerome accumulated double-doubles on the victory and for Chile Antero was the top scorer with 7 points.

By qualifying to the Semi-Finals, Canada and Puerto Rico captured tickets to the 2017 FIBA U19 World Championship.

Tomorrow on the last day of the group-phase, Venezuela will take on the USA, Guatemala will face Brazil, and Puerto Rico will take on Canada for the top of Group B, on the last game of the day Chile will face-off against Mexico.

FIBA