POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Jazmin Valenzuela
Group A
Costa Rica - Puerto Rico 63-90
Cynthia Valentin (174-SG-84, college: Indiana) scored 17 points to lead Puerto Rico to the first victory in Veracruz. They overcame Costa Rica in the opener. Puerto Rico dominated from start to finish. They piled up a 51:31 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 32-point mark at the final intermission and coasted to the victory at the end. Jazmine Sepulveda (178-SG-85, agency: Merit Management Group, college: S.Florida) and Yolanda Jones (184-F-84, college: La-Lafayette) had 15 points each in the win. Ana Matamoros (190-C-95) and Silvia Betancourt (170-SG) responded with 17 points each for Costa Rica.
Mexico - El Salvador 82-53
Mexico got to the winning start of their home campaign. They toppled El Salvador behind 29 points and 15 rebounds from Jazmin Valenzuela (187-C). Mexico piled up a 48:27 halftime lead. They kept their opponents at bay throughout the second half and cruised to a well-deserved starting victory. Sandra Sanchez (175-PF-90) tossed in 11 points for Mexico. Monica Escobar (178-F-94) responded with 13 points and 11 rebounds for El Salvador. Hillary Martinez (172-SF-97) netted 12 points in the loss.
Group B
Trinidad and Tobago - Cuba 36-86
Cuba had little problems opening their win count in Veracruz. They took care of Trinidad and Tobago in the opener. Yamara Amargo (179-PF-85) scored 20 points to lead well-balanced effort from Cuba. Francy Ochoa (185-F-90) added 11 points for the winning team. Cuba accumulated a 40:16 halftime advantage. They went on a 23:7 run in the third term to clear off for good. Afeisha Noel (191-C) responded with 10 points and 12 rebounds for Trinidad and Tobago.
Jamaica - Dominican Republic 54-58
Dominican Republic held off Jamaica in an intense battle at the start of the tournament. Danilsa Andujar (188-C, college: Indiana) and Yamel Abreu (170-PG-95) stepped up with 12 points each and combined for 11 rebounds to pace the winners. Dominican Republic ensured a 17:6 lead ten minutes into the game. But Jamaica cut the distance to just 2 points heading into the fourth period. Dominican Republic responded with a tough defence in the fourth frame limiting Jamaica to 13 points and clinching the victory. Sugeiry Monsac (186-F/C-81) had 10 points in the win. Shenneika Smith (185-F/C-89, college: St.John's) responded with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for Jamaica.
