IRAPUATO (Mexico) – Mexico stepped onto the podium at the FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup for just the second time in their history. The home team defeated Colombia 51-43 on Sunday to secure the bronze medal in Irapuato. This is the second time in the last three editions where Mexico finished in third place. The Mexicans beat Argentina in 2021 to earn that distinction. Mexico pulled away in the third quarter with an 18–7 run and entered the final 10 minutes with a 39–28 lead. Colombia made a late push and cut the deficit to five (48–43) with 1:52 remaining, but the hosts sealed the win by hitting three free throws down the stretch. Aislin Tamez led the way with 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Yania Valverde added 10 points and 7 boards.
Mexico’s aggressive defense forced Colombia into 31 turnovers, including 22 steals. Meredith Jaime led the defensive effort with 7 steals, followed by Belén Velázquez with four. On the other side, Colombia matched its best-ever finish in a FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup by placing fourth. Like Mexico, the team secured a spot in the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026. María Millán knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Alisson Restrepo contributed 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 steals. Maily Saavedra dominated the glass with 16 rebounds and added 4 blocks.
Argentina finishes in fifth place
Despite missing out on qualification for the U17 World Cup, Argentina was one of the most consistent teams in Irapuato, earning four wins in six games. The team defeated Venezuela 61-46. Kiara Miró hit four three-pointers and finished with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Francisca Canelo and Santina Cherot each recorded 10 points and 6 rebounds.
For Venezuela, Greidysmar Camacaro led the scoring with 13 points, followed by Diosmarys Campos with eight. At the other game, Puerto Rico earned its first victory on Mexican soil with a 95-72 win over Panama to claim seventh place. Lucianna Parrotta (20 points and 12 rebounds), Amahya Hernández (16 and 12), and Lia Vásquez (11 and 12) all posted double-doubles for the Puerto Rican squad.
Panama’s Viviana Grenald delivered the highest-scoring performance of the tournament and the third-highest in event history with 30 points. In 35 minutes, she hit 11 of 23 shots from the field and filled the stat sheet with 13 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 blocks, and 3 assists.
FIBA