BRA/ARG – Brazil, Argentina closing in on final showdown in Ecuador

GUAYAQUIL (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) - Argentina and Brazil remained on a collision course for a title showdown at the South American Championship for Women after winning games on the fourth day of the competition.

Both sides are warming up for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women (June 9-15).

Eduardo Pinto’s Argentina bounced back from Monday’s narrow defeat to Brazil and beat Colombia 89-43.

The game was effectively over at the end of the first quarter with Argentina holding a 28-7 advantage.

For Argentina, Sthefany Thomas scored 12 points, Veronica Soberon, Carolina Sanchez and Florencia Fernandez each poured in 11 and Marceloa Paoletta finished with nine.

Brazil mauled previously unbeaten Venezuela 106-40 after taking a 53-13 lead at half-time.

Karla, who had 22 points and five steals for the Brazilians, said: “The difference in scores is the fruit of our hard labor on the court.

“We played with determination and vigor.

“We're strong and want to achieve a good result here at the South American Championship to be well prepared for FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Madrid.

“We still have a lot of improving to do, but we have time to correct the details.”

With one game in the preliminary round remaining, Brazil have clinched a spot in the final while Argentina and Venezuela will meet in a battle of 3-1 sides with a place in the title game at stake.

In Tuesday’s other game, Chile beat Ecuador 77-57.

FIBA