Puerto Rico defeated Canada and took the last ticket to the Semifinals in Lima 2019

LIMA (Peru) - Puerto Rico (2-1) took the last spot at the Semi-Finals of the Basketball Women’s Tournament of the Pan American Games 2019, after defeating Canada (1-2), 72-63, and securing the second place of Group A.

In the Semi-Finals, Puerto Ricans will face the United States and Brazil will face Colombia.

A basket from Tayra Meléndez and a three-pointer from Isalys Quiñones gave Puerto Rico a commanding 67-58 lead with 43 seconds left. Canada, after losing the first half 40-28, started discounting from the difference. Great additions from Shaina Pellington left the score 62-58 with 1:42 left on the clock. Puerto Rico reacted and secured the win with additions from Meléndez and Quiñones.

With 25 seconds, pair of free throws of Jazmone Gwathmey, who finished with 22 units, but the insurance for the Puerto Ricans to open the distance to 69-61. Quiñones (three triples) and Pamela Rosado, added 11 accountants each. For Canada, Jamie Scott culminated with 16 goals and Pellington with 14.

In the other game of Group A, Brazil (3-0) ratified as group leader with an impressive victory over Paraguay (0-3) 81-37.

Stephanie Soares, with 15 points and Patricia Texeira with 13 points, finished as the top scorers for the Brazilians, who dominated from start to finish. In the first quarter, the team coached by Jose Neto took a 21-10 advantage, but it was in the second half of the commitment where they imposed greater authority. The Brazilians held the opponent to 15 points during the second half with a strong defense that did not allow concessions.

In Group B, the United States (3-0) maintained its pace and defeated Colombia (2-1) 75-63, to take the top of Group B.

The Americans played a solid first half on both sides of the court and went to half-time with the 47-21 lead. Colombia showed a different attitude in the second half, although it was not enough for the win, it did leave a pleasant impression. The Colombians dominated the second half 42-28.

Beatrice Mompremiere, with 15 points and Michaela Onyenwere, with 14, commanded a North American team. Jenifer Muñoz left 11 points, who also showed a very distributed offensive.

Finally, Argentina (1-2) defeated Virgin Islands (0-3) 73-59 and took third place in Group B. Victoria Llorente, with 19 points and eight rebounds and Andrea Boquete with 16 points, were the spark for the albicelestes. Anisha George, with 32 points and 14 rebounds and Natalie Day with 15 and 10 boards led the Caribbean team.

FIBA