Chile and Canada undefeated after two days of competition

AYSÉN (Chile) – Canada, Chile, and the USA celebrated wins on the second day of the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship 2019, which takes place at the Polideportivo 21 de Abril in Aysén, Chile.

 
Chile remained the leader of Group B following a 61-34 win over Mexico. The Chileans played a great first half in which they prevailed by 41-13 and then kept their rival at bay.

In that first half, the hosts made the difference with great efficiency in shooting from long distance. They hit nine three-pointers in 17 attempts, for 53 percent. Guard Bárbara Torres was perfect in the initial 20 minutes to get 4-4 from three-point land.

In the second half, the story was different, the Chileans only pocketed a three-pointer in 11 attempts but maintained the defensive intensity and did not allow any run from the Mexicans.

Fernanda Ovalle with 13 points and 15 rebounds was the leader of the hosts. Torres finished with 12 points, all in the first half. For the team from Mexico, Mariana Valenzuela provided a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Canada captured its second win, to capture the top of Group A, following a 78-39 win over Brazil.

The team from the North tipped the balance in their favor by winning the second quarter 19-3, which gave Canada a 44-19 advantage. The only three points of the Brazilians in that act came at the last minute.

The recipe for the Canadians throughout the game was the collective effort on both sides of the court. For their second consecutive game, its 12 players managed to add points to the scoreboard.

Lauren Audino, with 12 points, was the leading scorer. Isabelle Forsyth and Rosalie Mercille added 10 points each. For Brazil, which now has a record of 1-1, Ana Oliveira contributed eight units.

In the first game of the day, Puerto Rico got its first win in Group A and leveled its mark (1-1) by defeating Ecuador (0-2), 52-39.

The Caribbean team had an impressive 24-5 second quarter and went into half-time with a 30-18 lead. The Puerto Ricans implemented an effective zone defense that forced the Ecuadorians to a low 23 percent in field goals (66-15). They also controlled rebounds and gave very few second chances.

Nina De León, Silkiari Vázquez and Paola Hernández, contributed 10 points each, in the balanced Puerto Rican attack. Hernandez also captured 14 rebounds to register a double-double.

The United States, in its tournament debut, left a lasting impression with a 114-19 win over El Salvador, in Group B action.

 
The USA imposed its physical and technical superiority from the beginning of the game and never lowered the intensity.

Guard Londynn Jones with 21 points and five three-pointers was the top scorer for the United States. Sonia Citron added 17 points and three other players scored over 10 points

On Tuesday, Brazil will face Ecuador, Mexico will take-on El Salvador, Canada will face Puerto Rico and the USA will take-on Chile.

FIBA