BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2017) – The first day of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup handed wins to the National Teams from Brazil, Puerto Rico, defending champs Canada and host Argentina.

Brazil opened the 2017 edition of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup with a 71-63 win over Venezuela in Group A action. Brazil settled into the game quickly and established an early lead on the scoreboard. Venezuela fought back into the game and remained closed with great additions from Daniela Wallen, who had 20 points in the game. Brazil gained some distance on the scoreboard after the third quarter, but the Venezuelans created a run and tied the game at 56. The Brazilians reacted quickly with a 10-0 run and secured the win. Gilmara Justino was the best for the Brazilians with a 12-point and 10-rebound double-double.

Puerto Rico got some measure of revenge from the Centrobasket 2017 loss, and defeated Mexico 69-49 in the beginning of Group B action. Puerto Rico captured the top of the scoreboard from the get-go taking advantage of Mexico’s early turnovers. Puerto Rico found the right tempo and kept adding, taking a 28-point advantage during the second half of the game. Mexico discounted from the scoreboard, but with 13 points from Allison Gibson, the Boricuas secured the win.

The defending champs of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup started their title defense with an 81-35 win over Cuba. The Canadians established their game quickly and escaped on the scoreboard after a 28-8 first quarter. The team coached by Lisa Thomaidis took the ball to the paint and Ruth Hamblin produced great results with a 15-point and 10 rebound double-double. Nothing changed, Canada never took the foot of the gas pedal and the difference kept growing. The Canadians shot for a 49% from the field and won the battle for the boards 54-40.

The host began their participation in the continental championship with an 80-48 victory over the Virgin Islands. Argentina took the top of the scoreboard from the start and never let go. Virgin Islands’ 23 turnovers allowed the Argentines to add to the difference. Argentina grew in confidence from long range, and with that new offensive weapon the team coached by Santander kept adding. Virgin Islands had a hard time getting through Argentina’s suffocating defense and that allowed easy transition baskets for the host. The top scorer for the Argentinians was Andrea Boquete with 17 points.

Tomorrow on the second day of Group Phase, Paraguay will take on Cuba, Venezuela will face the Virgin Islands, Colombia will take on Brazil and Canada will face Puerto Rico.

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

FIBA