LIMA (Peru) – USA and Brazil earned the right to play at the Final of the Women’s Basketball Tournament of the Pan American Games 2019 after winning their respective Semi-Final games on Friday.

USA defeated Puerto Rico 62-59, in a duel that was even from beginning to end.

A basket from Isabella Alarie, with 38 seconds left put the USA ahead 60-57. Then, a free-throw from Chennedy Carter and another from Alarie, with 10 seconds left, gave the team the winning advantage. Puerto Rico had one last chance, that did not materialize.

Carter and Beatrice Monpremier scored 14 points each, while O'Neill led the Puerto Ricans with 19 points and Jazmone Gwathmey added 14.

For its part, Brazil applied a solid defense and surpassed Colombia 62-48.

The Brazilians dominated the rebounds 41-30, 17 of those boards were offensive, which they capitalized into 22 points in second chances.

A 16-4 gave Brazil a 29-21 advantage at the half. The third quarter opened the difference to 49-35. In the last period, Brazil maintained its record to ensure the conquest before a Colombia that could not be discounted.

Clarissa Dos Santos was the best of the field with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Erika De Souza contributed 13 points and eight rebounds. For Colombia, Jenifer Muñoz achieved nine points.

On Sunday, USA will play Brazil for the Gold, and Puerto Rico will face Colombia for the Bronze.

In reclassification, Argentina culminated in fifth place by defeating Canada by 59-54, and Paraguay defeated the Virgin Islands 69-61, to finish in seventh place.

FIBA