BRA - Brazil claim title in Santiago

SANTIAGO (South American Championship/FIBA World Championship for Women) - Brazil routed arch-rivals Argentina 94-68 to claim the South American Championship title and continue their preparations for the FIBA World Championship for Women in some style.

Brazil exploded in the second half to race away from Argentina and piled up a big score.

They had trailed by as many as 10 and were down 42-40 at half-time, but it was one way traffic after the break.

Gustavo Silvia had 14 points and Kelly Santos added 13 to lead Brazil, while Paula Reggiardo led Argentina with 19 points.

"I'm very happy with the title," said coach Carlos Colinas. "It was a tough match, and Argentina played a great game, especially in the first half. We talked at half-time at the defense adjusted. Our team had the patience to get the result after being 10 points down. The belief that we could win was key to victory."
However, there was one down point for Brazil, as Nadia Colhado limped out in the final quarter with a sprained ankle.

The center is now due to have an MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage.

"Only with the results of the scan can we determine the recovery time of the player," said team doctor Jose Carlos Cordeiro.

Colombia beat Paraguay 85-70 to take bronze.

Brazil will face Argentina again in the Super Four tournament in Brazil in the first week of September as they continue their build-up to the FIBA World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic, which tips off on September 23.

FIBA