AYSÉN (Chile) - The teams from Canada, Brazil and the host, Chile, celebrated victories on the first day of the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship 2019, which began this Sunday at the Polideportivo 21 de Abril in the city of Aysén, Chile.

 
The local team responded to their fans to defeat El Salvador 63-46, in Group B action. The Chileans, after a sporadic start of the game, consolidated the action with the leadership of Fernanda Ovalle, who took the reins of the team’s offensive with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Barbara Torres followed with 11 points.

 
For the Salvadoran troop, which until the end of the third quarter only two players had been able to score, Keylin Murcia contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds. Silvia Vega and Fátima Tejada seconded with eight points each.

The Central Americans managed to take the last quarter with a partial of 17-10, but Chile grew a big enough lead to take the win.

In the meeting that officially began the continental competition, Canada overwhelmed Ecuador to a 79-33 victory, in game corresponding to Group A.

 
The North American dominated the inner game to score 52 points in the paint and control the rebounds 64-30.

The 12 Canadian players managed to score. Teah Stupar and Avianna Thompson were the most outstanding with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Isaline Alexander also appeared with eight points and 10 rebounds. For Ecuador, Blanca Quiñonez led the offense with 12 points.

In the other commitment of Group A, Brazil endured the reaction of Puerto Rico and took the victory 62-57.

 
The Amazonians began the duel with a 19-2 run and took the first quarter 24-6; nevertheless, the Puerto Ricans tightened in defense and little by little discounted from the difference.

The Caribbean team came within two points (56-54) with a double from Carolina Del Toro, with 2:37 left of the game. Two free-throws by Raiane Dias, after an offensive rebound, gave a decisive 60-54 advantage to Brazil, with only four seconds left.

The Brazilians, although they were successful, suffered because of 35 turnovers and missing 18 free throws (35-17).

Brenda Bleidao with 20 points and nine rebounds led Brazil. Anna Rodrigues added 16 points and Rhayssa Souza captured 16 rebounds, in addition to her six points. On the Puerto Rican side, Nina de León finished with 17 points.

The match between the United States and Mexico could not be played due to climatic conditions that delayed the arrival of the Mexican squad. The game will be held next Wednesday, June 19.

This Monday, Puerto Rico will face Ecuador, El Salvador will face the USA, Canada will take-on Brazil, and Chile will face Mexico.

FIBA