SANTIAGO (Chile) – Bay Area Phoenix (USA) were crowned the new champions of the Women’s Basketball League Americas after defeating Sportiva Italiana (CHI) 87-82 in the Final at Coliseo Ismenia Pauchard Demierre in Santiago, Chile. The U.S. team avenged their earlier Group Phase loss to their opponents by lifting the trophy for the first time, after finishing second in the previous edition in 2024. For Sportiva Italiana, it was their first silver medal. Colombian club Indeportes Antioquia have been the only WBL Americas champions prior, winning the title in the first two editions in 2023 and 2024. Phoenix opened the game with a 14-0 run over the first five minutes and controlled the game for almost the entire matchup from there. However, Sportiva responded furiously and, after trailing by as many as 19 points, took a 67-65 lead in the fourth quarter on a Sierra Moore two-point basket with 7:03 remaining on the clock.
It appeared Bay Area were slipping away, but a two-pointer from Connie Clarke and a three-pointer by Alaiyah San Juan brought the U.S. side back to life, as they regained the lead at 76-71 with 2:49 remaining. San Juan then put the game out of reach with another long-range shot that extended the lead to 81-74 with 1:16 to play. Rosemarie Julien led Phoenix's offense with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. The guard was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Clarke added 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Deangelique Waithe contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block, while San Juan (5 assists) and Aniya McDonald (6 rebounds) added 11 points apiece. For Sportiva, Andrea Daley recorded a double-double of 22 points and 18 rebounds. Jessica Jackson was the team's leading scorer with 24 points, along with 7 rebounds, while Moore finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Chilean side dominated the rebounding battle 60-37, but committed 23 turnovers that led to 30 points for their opponents, proving costly.
SESI Araraquara Claim Third Place
SESI Araraquara responded to their Semi-Final disappointment with a solid and hard-fought 65-53 victory over CDC Leones to secure the bronze medal.
After falling behind early, the Brazilian side took control late in the first quarter and never looked back. Forward Maisa Marcal was instrumental in the win with 15 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals. Evelyn Mariano also stood out with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
For CDC Leones, Jacaira Allen finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist. Macarena Retamales also contributed 14 points. Ferro (ARG) finished in fifth place after defeating Defensor Sporting (URU) 94-82. Brazilian Sassa Goncalves led the Argentine side with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal. Dalma Piri also stood out with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Lucila Sampietro added 13 points. Maite Pereira (5 assists) and Nicole Tapari (6 rebounds) scored 18 points apiece for Defensor. Gabriela Guimaraes finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
FIBA