POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Sandra Garcia
Group A
Mexico - Costa Rica 83-43
Mexico coasted past Costa Rica for the second consecutive victory in Group A. Casandra Asencio (180-SF) came up with 17 points and 6 assists as Mexico guaranteed their semifinal appearance. Jazmin Valenzuela (187-C) added 15 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Mexico used a strong 32:10 run in the first period to clear off. They unleashed 46 points in the second half to ensure the winning outcome. Natalia Galvez (170-G-85) answered with 17 points for Costa Rica.
Puerto Rico - El Salvador 88-40
Puerto Rico earned the second straight victory in Veracruz. They toppled El Salvador to secure their semifinal tickets. Sandra Garcia (190-C-90, college: Wake Forest) stepped up with 26 points and 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Puerto Rico piled up a 38:17 halftime lead. They did not slow down in the second half cruising to the victory. Jazmine Sepulveda (178-SG-85, agency: Merit Management Group, college: S.Florida) accounted for 13 points for the winners. Monica Calderon (175-SF-91) responded with 15 points for El Salvador. Hillary Martinez (172-SF-97) had 9 points and 6 rebounds in the defeat.
Group B
Cuba - Jamaica 98-40
Yamara Amargo (179-PF-85) nailed 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead Cuba to the second straigh win in Veracruz. They toppled Jamaica to stay undefeated in Group B. Cuba held their opponents to just 2 points in the opening quarter to take an 18-point lead. Cuba secured a 40:18 halftime advantage. They did not look back afterwards coasting to the victory. Francy Ochoa (185-F-90) netted 12 points in the winning effort. Shenneika Smith (185-F/C-89, college: St.John's) answered with 9 points and 8 rebounds for Jamaica.
Dominican Republic - Trinidad and Tobago 50-42
Dominican Republic fired past Trinidad and Tobago to improve at 2-0 record at the tournament. Jennifer Estrella (183-G-88) came up with 13 points to lead the winners. Trinidad and Tobago gained a 22:21 halftime lead. But Dominican Republic erased the deficit and pulled ahead for a 39:31 advantage heading into the fourth frame. Dominican Republic kept their opponents at bay throughout the final period and sealed the victory. Danilsa Andujar (188-C, college: Indiana) had 10 points for the winners. Afeisha Noel (191-C) repsonded with 16 points and 12 rebounds for Trinidad and Tobago.
