POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Anisleidys Martinez
Group A
Cuba - Colombia 66-51
Cuba outgunned Colombia to earn the third straight win in Barranquilla. Anisleidys Galindo (181-SG-89) had 16 points and 8 rebounds for Cuba. They got to a very strong start. Cuba established a comfortable 45:20 halftime lead. Colombia narrowed the distance in the second half but could not avoid the defeat. Marlenis Cepeda (193-C-85) and Yamara Amargo (179-PF-85, agency: Pro Sports) had 9 points each for Cuba. Yaneth Arias (184-F-82) replied with 11 points and 8 rebounds for Colombia.
U.S. Virgin Islands - Jamaica 67-37
US Virgin Islands earned the first win in Group A. They topped Jamaica to finish the preliminary round in the third spot. Imani Tate (173-G-95, college: Albany) had 18 points and 7 blocks to pace the winners. US Virgin Islands accumulated a 32:25 halftime lead. They went on a 20:4 run in the third term to clear off for good. Natalie Day (182-G/F-90, college: Portland) delivered 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Tashawna Higgins (173-G-86, college: Norfolk St.) and Cadene Cowan (93) answered with 11 points each for Jamaica.
Group B
Mexico - Puerto Rico 66-67
Puerto Rico nipped Mexico to remain perfect in Barranquillo. Dayshalee Salaman (163-PG-90, college: Lincoln Memorial) had 15 points for the winners. Puerto Rico secured a 17:11 lead at the first break. Mexico denied the deficit and surged ahead to take 5-point lead at the final break. However Puerto Rico used an 18:12 rally in the final term to snatch the win. Tayra Melendez (180-G-93, college: Rhode Island, agency: Gamble Sports Management) tossed in 14 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for Puerto Rico. Claudia Ramos (183-G-97) replied with 21 points for Mexico.
Guatemala - Barbados 63-56
Guatemala rallied past Barbados to occupy the third position in Group B. Luisa Rivas (170-PG-93) and Emily Rosales (178-F-94) accounted for 17 points each in the win. Guatemala jumped to a 23:11 lead after ten minutes. Barbados narrowed the gap at 5-point mark at the interval. They pulled within 2 points at the final intermission. But Guatemala went on an 18:13 run in the fourth frame and rolled to the win. Toni Atherley (173-G-83, college: Fresno St.) had 24 points and 9 rebounds for Barbados.
