BARQUISIMETO (South American Championship) – Day 2 of the South American Championship saw the beginning of Group B action, when Argentina defeated Ecuador and Venezuela upped Peru. Brazil went to the top of Group A standings with a win over Chile, and Paraguay surprised Uruguay in a game that was decided on the last minute.

In an even match, Paraguay closed the game better to defeat Uruguay, 62 – 56. Paraguay had a better start to the game, showing great discipline and ball movement at the offensive side of the court, taking a 7-point lead during the first half. Parity reigned during the third quarter and Paraguay had a one-point lead, 42 – 41, entering the last 10 minutes of the game.

The teams traded the lead throughout all of the fourth quarter, but with less than 1 minute to play, Astrid Huttemann scored a long range three-pointer that gave Paraguay a 5-point lead. Uruguay couldn’t score, and Paraguay kept adding in their way to the victory.

Maria Caraves was the top scorer of the game with 26 points, in a losing effort Victoria Pereyra accumulated 15 points for Uruguay.

Argentina debuted in the 2016 edition of the South American Women’s Championship with a 71 - 35 win over Ecuador. Cristian Santander’s team captured the lead from the beginning and never let it go. Argentina’s defense suffocated Ecuador’s offense to a 17 percent from the field. Ecuador couldn’t stop Argentina’s offensive power, and the team that will play in FIBA’s Women’s Qualifying Tournament made their way to the victory.

Gisela Vega was the top scorer for the Argentinians with 19 points. Meanwhile Karla Yepez summed 16 points for the Ecuadorians, in a losing effort.

Brazil continued its dominant path on Group A, with a win over Chile, … The Brazilians stepped on the pedal from the get-go and never looked back. Chile had some good transitions during the game, but Barbosa’s team was too much in every aspect of the game. Brazil bettered their record to 2 victories and 0 defeats, taking the top of Group A.

The top scorer for Brazil was Iziane Castro with 16 points.

The host of the South American Women’s Championship debuted in the competition with a comfortable win over Peru, 82 - 52. The team coached by Oscar Silva captured a 9-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 36 – 27, thanks in part to 50-percent shooting.

Venezuela looked more energized in both sides of the court during the second half, and taking advantage of Peru’s mishaps, the locals kept adding to their lead on the road to their first victory.

Waleska Perez was the top scorer of the match with 20 points.

Tomorrow, on the third day of the South American Championship, Chile vs. Paraguay will kick off the day’s festivities followed by Colombia vs. defending champs Brazil. Group B will then step into the spotlight when Argentina takes on Peru and closing the day will be Venezuela vs. Ecuador.

FIBA