Puerto Rico defeats Dominican Republic to secure second win of Women’s AmeriCup

LEON - (Mexico) - Puerto Rico notched a convincing 73-47 win over Dominican Republic Sunday evening, marking their second win of the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup at Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Arella Guirantes once again had a hot start for Puerto Rico, scoring 6 points in the first quarter as did Pamela Rosado, as much of Puerto Rico’s game plan early was to share their offense which was seen as the team collectively moved the ball well to lead 22-11.

Dominican Republic’s Yenifer Jimenez scored 7 of the team’s 11 first quarter points, but Yohanna Morton stepped up in the second quarter and added six to bring her total to 8 points in the first half as they stayed in the game by getting aggressive on the boards defensively and forcing Puerto Rico to foul.

Turnovers however would plague Dominican Republic as they made 11 in the first half, allowing for Puerto Rico to score 9 points off their mistake and lead by 15 as Puerto Rico had the advantage 39-24 at the half.

Guirantes had already tallied 14 points including shooting 55 percent from field goal range by the half while Jennifer O’Neill picked up her game in the second quarter adding 5 points and 7 total by the half.

In the third quarter Dominican Republic put the pressure on, as Cesarina Capellan grabbed 2 steals she added 7 points as Esmery Martinez stood her ground on the offensive boards and outscored Puerto Rico 15-14.

However, Puerto Rico stayed close as Mya Hollingshed controlled the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds by the end of the third quarter.

A final quarter performance from Puerto Rico showed their depth and endurance as they held Dominican Republic to just 8 points while scoring 20 and pulling away to secure their second win in two days.

Guirantes led Puerto Rico with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, O’Neill added 12 points and Hollingshed finished with 8 points and 13 rebounds.

Capellan led Dominican Republic with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists and Morton added 11 points while Hellary De Los Santos contributed 7 points and 8 rebounds.

FIBA