USA vs. Argentina and Canada vs. Colombia to face-off at the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Semi-Finals

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship) – The Semi-Finals of the FIBA U16 Women’s Championship will see USA take on Argentina and Canada take on Colombia after the results of Day 3 of the continental championship.

Colombia secured a historic qualification to the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship 2017 and to the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup after defeating Mexico 45-41. In one of the most exciting and emotional games in the history of the competition, Colombia and Mexico fought throughout the 40 minutes to earn the last ticket available to the Semi-Finals. Evenly matched, neither team could catch a lead bigger than 4 points throughout the game. The teams entered the final minute of the match and Mexico had a three-point lead, but the Colombians produced a 7-0 run with huge additions from Daniela Gonzalez to secure the win and the qualification. Daniela Gonzalez was the top performer for the Colombians with a 15 point and 19 rebound “double-double”.

Venezuela finished the Group Phase of the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship with the third position of Group A after defeating the Dominican Republic, 70-50. The Venezuelan jumped right into the game and the scoreboard with a 23-6 first quarter. The team coached by Brickman Morales took advantage of the height difference and produced from the area under the basket. The Venezuelans found rhythm while running, scoring 38 of their points in fast-break. Nicole Garcia was the top scorer for Venezuela with 11 points.

USA remained perfect after a 72-39 win over Puerto Rico in Group B action. USA took full advantage of the height difference between the teams and escaped to a 15-5 lead after the first quarter. Nothing changed and USA continued to add to the established lead with clear dominance. USA scored 46 points from the paint and while shooting for a 38% from 2-point land. Aliyah Boston was the best for the North Americans with a 17 point-12 rebound “double-double”.

Canada captured the top of Group A after defeating the Argentinians, 71-65. The Canadians captures a 17-10 at the end of the first quarter, and got a 19-point difference during the first half. Argentina never let-go and won the second half of the game to tie the score. Canada found ways to score thanks to the offense from Te-Biasu and Masikewich, who scored 15 points each. Two costly mistakes from the Argentinians cost the team the game, as the Argentine took the first spot of the preliminary group. Masikewich was the top performer for the Canadians with a 15-point and 20-rebound “double-double”.

Tomorrow on the Reclassification Round of the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship, Puerto Rico will take on Venezuela and the Dominican Republic will face Mexico.

On the Semi-Finals, USA will take on Argentina and Canada will face Colombia, for the right to play on the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship title game.

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