MEX - On a roll

XALAPA (FIBA Americas Championship for Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - The feel-good factor is there for Mexico, who are warming up for one of the biggest basketball events ever to be played in the country.

The Mexicans are preparing to host the FIBA Americas Championship for Women in Xalapa, a qualifying tournament for the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women in Turkey.

The team is hoping for the same sort of success it enjoyed at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, when Mexico stunned Brazil to reach the Final before falling to Puerto Rico in the title game.

Warming up for Xalapa, Mexico have just prevailed in the COCABA after defeating Costa Rica (80-52), Honduras (89-56) and El Salvador (75-58).

One of the players to stand out for Mexico was Maria Antonieta Morales Castro, who averaged 13.7 points and nine rebounds in the event.

The 18-year-old from Guanajuato had 18 points and 11 boards in the triumph over El Salvador.

The 29-year-old veteran point guard, Brisa Silva, was also effective at 13.3ppg while 1.90m center Abril Garcia, who turns 34 next month, led the way in the tournament at 16ppg.

Silva is one of Mexico's best-known players and she says it never gets old putting on the national team shirt.

"I'm always proud to represent my country, Mexico, and will always be happy whenever they invite me," she said.

"The FIBA Americas Championship for Women in Xalapa will have stronger teams like Cuba, Canada, Venezuela, Jamaica, Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

"But I think we have a strong group (of players) that has been working very hard for several weeks and we're very dedicated, disciplined and with a winning mentality, which is the main thing."

There is no doubt about the biggest plus for Mexico as they go into the qualifying event next month for the FIBA World Championship for Women.

"I believe the strength is to play the tournament at home," she said.

As for coach Ray Santana, Silva said: "I think my coach is motivated after our medal at the 2011 Pan American Games and he knows that we can do something."

Mexico squad for FIBA Americas Championship for Women: Maria Morales, Nadia Bibbs, Sofia Moreno, Abril Garcia, Carolina Rebolledo, Brisa Silva, Maylene Ornelas, Monica Garcia, Rosaura Guardiola, Myriam Lara, Frida Gonzalez and Diana Orzco.

FIBA