CUB - Amargo helps Cuba warm-up for Turkey with silverware

MONTERREY (CentroBasket Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - Yamara Amargo emphasised why she will be one of the players to watch at the FIBA World Championship for Women after being crowned MVP at CentroBasket Women in leading Cuba to yet more silverware.

Reminiscent of their success last year in Xalapa, where Cuba won the FIBA Americas Championship for Women, Amargo once again revelled on Mexican soil as she poured in 19 points to fuel a 58-47 success in the Final against Puerto Rico.

While Cuba had to fend off a late rally from their opponents, they always had the upper hand and claimed their second trophy inside the space of 12 months.

Much of that was also down to Clenia Noblet who, having pushed Amargo close for the MVP award last year, did so again in Monterrey after a mesmerising double-double of 12 points and 23 rebounds in the showpiece game.

Meanwhile, Ineidis Casanova certainly stated her case for head coach Alberto Zabala handing her more court time when the action gets underway in Ankara by producing another smart performance.

In fact, the play-caller can be content that all of his big-hitters contributed throughout the tournament, with Marlen Cepeda posting a huge game against the Virgin Islands as Cuba went unbeaten in five outings, also collecting wins against Jamaica, Dominican Republic and El Salvador.

The bronze medal went to the Dominican Republic after they fought off the Virgin Islands 61-55, to take the last available spot for the Pan-American Games which will be held in Toronto, Canada next year.

The Virgin Islands will however get to play at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship for Women for the first time in what was a historical step for them.

In stark contrast, hosts Mexico were left distraught at failing to qualify for next year's tournament, having played at the last two editions.

FIBA