Brazil is in

[by Gustavo CARDOSO] - Brazilians are not going back to Copacabana. With a win over Cuba, Bassul’s girls have guaranteed their spot in Beijing 2008.

It wasn’t easy.

Micaela stepped up in the first quarter, and by driving strong to the hoop, was able to hit some nice lay ups to finish with 8 points, her best first quarter performance in competition (she finished the game as Brazil’s top scorer). The defensive game was better, but Cuba was able to grab important offensive rebounds of their own.

In the second and third quarter the story was different, and Cuba’s post players Boulet, and Plutin controlled the inside game. Brazil had many opportunities to seal the deal early in the third, but committed way too many errors offensively.

The key to Brazil’s win ended up being Boulet’s foul trouble. With one of the main Cuban players avoiding contact in the paint, Micaela, Mamá, and Kelly stepped up and got Brazil back in the game.

In the last final seconds, free throws, which were a problem throughout, went in.

Congratulations to all Brazilian girls, and all Brazilian coaches and basketball professionals!