BRA/CAN - Brazil wins Group A after beating Canada:

CUIABÁ (FIBA Americas Championship for Women) – Brazil won Group A of the FIBA Americas Championship for Women after an impressive win against Canada by the score of 61-45 at the Aecim Tocantins Gym.

The Brazilians will play against the loser of the Argentina-Cuba game in the semifinals on Saturday. Brazil won all three game in front of an enthusiastic crowd that cheered them on from start to finish.

Fernanda Neves and Alessandra Santos scored 12 points each for Brazil.

The first quarter ended 17-10 as Fernanda Neves led the hosts with 4 points. Canada was led by guard Teresa Gabriele who scored 5 points and Kim Smith 3.

Brazil kept the lead in the second quarter which was low in scoring. The Brazilians made great passes inside for easy baskets but found good resistance from the Canadians who stayed in the game thanks to their perimeter shooting. At halftime Brazil led 26-18 as Karen Rocha was their best scorer with 5 points.

Fernanda and Helen Luz gave Brazil a comfortable margin with their three pointers and took advantage of the dominance by center Alessandra Santos to finish up 45-34.

In the final quarter Brazil made a 10-0 run led by Alessandra and Adrianinha who sealed the game with a three pointer to give them a 57-39 lead with 3:43 left.

Teresa Gabriele led Canada with 10 points while Tamara Tatham grabbed 11 rebounds.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas