SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) – USA and Canada won their respective Semi-Finals games and earned the right to play for the Gold-Medal of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2019.

USA brought out its hierarchy and defeated Puerto Rico 78-54.

The North Americans imposed their game, to score 46 points from the painted area and controlled the rebounds 63-34, against an opponent who never gave up and was cheered by its fans in recognition of that effort.

Sylvia Fowles (17 points and 13 rebounds) and Tina Charles (14 points and 10 rebounds) led the USA offensive.

Pamela Rosado was the top scorer for Puerto Rico with 12 points, followed by Dayshalee Salaman and Isalys Quiñones with nine, each.

In the first Semi-Final, Canada defeated Brazil 66-58, thanks to a great fourth quarter in which their defense gave no concessions.

After three periods of great parity and lead changes, the team coached by Lisa Thomaidis created a 23-13 fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Two free throws by Jamie Scott, with 1:22 left and then a basket from center Ruth Hamblin with a minute on the clock, left the scoreboard 62-55 in favor of the Canadians.

Shay Colley was crucial for Canada throughout the game by scoring 23 points, including 12 free throws in 15 visits to the line. Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe and Bridget Carleton added nine points each.

In the Reclassification Round, Colombia took fifth place after defeating Cuba 75-62. The Colombians recovered from a slow start (they lost the first quarter 19-11), but from then on, they settled on defense and took the reins in the following quarters.

Jenifer Muñoz scored 14, followed by Mabel Martínez and Yaneth Arias, who added 13 each. Anisleidy Galindo left a double-double of 13 units and 10 rebounds, for the Colombians. Yamara Amargo and Dairis Tornell contributed 11 points each.

For its part, the Dominican Republic closed in seventh place after defeating Argentina, 67-65, following a basket from Yohanna Morton, with less than 5 seconds left on the scoreboard. Morton led her squad with 18 points and seven rebounds. For the South Americans, Andrea Boquete finished with 14 points.

During the last day of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2019, Brazil will face Puerto Rico for the Bronze Medal and Canada will take-on USA for the Gold.

FIBA