POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Yamara Amargo
Group A
Mexico - Puerto Rico 50-84
Puerto Rico wins Group A of Centrobasket 2014. They outscored the hosts of the tournament 84:50 and advanced to the Semifinals. Mexico meanwhile finished the group with a 1-2 record and will play at the Classification Round. Puerto Rico won the first period 16-15, however could not enjoy the lead. At the start of the second quarter, Mexico imposed a quick 5-0 run. Dominican showed reaction with a triple by Carmen Guzman, one of their main weapons on offense. Due to 25-15 surge in the frame they increased the advantage to 41:30 at the half-time. Puerto Rico exploded with a 27-10 surge in the third period and finished the game with a 16-10 rally in the last quarter. Carla Cortijo (172-G-87, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Texas) notched 15 points to lead all the winners. Sandra Garcia (190-C-90, college: Wake Forest) collected 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Placido Mari had 11. Casandra Asencio (180-SF) replied with 23 points in a loss and Lara Myriam scored 12.
Dominican Republic - Costa Rica 60-44
Dominican Republic advanced to the semis of the Centrobasket 2014. They overcame Costa Rica 60:44 and finished Group A with a 2-1 record on the second place. Costa Rica meanwhile lost their third consecutive game and will play at the Classification Round. Costa Rica surprised the opponents with a 23-15 lead in the first period, but could not stay tough in the rest of the half. Dominican Republic responded with a 14-3 burst in the second frame and took 29:26 halftime advantage. Moreover the favorites added two more victories in the second half and celebrated a 16-point total win. Andreina Paniagua (191-F-78) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Sugeiry Monsac (186-F/C-81) notched 15. Guzman Carmen delivered 11, while Morton Yohanna posted 8. Ana Matamoros (190-C-95) collected 14 points and 17 rebounds in a loss, whilst Galvez Natalia and Betancourt Silvia had 10 each.
Group B
El Salvador - U.S. Virgin Islands 41-57
Virgin Islands head to the Semifinals of the Centrobasket as they edged El Salvador in their last game of Group B. Virgin Islands needed a 57:41 win to finish with a 2-1 record on the second place. El Salvador meanwhile finished with a 0-3 record on the bottom of the standings. Virgin Islands posted a 15-12 victory in the opening period and led 3 points at the half-time. Moreover they pushed the expo for good in the third period and after a 17-10 surge grabbed a 42-32 advantage. Virgin Islands closed the game with a 15-9 rally for the final result. Natalie Day (182-G/F-90, college: Portland) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Tanecka Carey (175-G-91) nailed 15. Hamilton Victoria followed them with 11 points in a win. Hillary Martinez (172-SF-97) finished the game with 17 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort and Escobar Monica collected 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Jamaica - Cuba 48-76
Cuba remains undefeated in Monterrey at the Centrobasket 2014. The defending champions won Group B with a perfect 3-0 record after a 76:48 win over Jamaica. The latter dropped at 1-2 record and will play at the Classification Round. Cuba proved their ambitions for the top place with a 23-7 surge in the first period and never looked behind after. They added 19-15 rally in the second frame and enjoyed a 42:21 halftime advantage. Jamaica replied with a 19-15 run in the third period, while Cuba finished the game with a strong 19-10 surge. Yamara Amargo (179-PF-85) stepped up with 19 points and Ochoa Fransy netted 14. Marlenis Cepeda (193-C-85) followed them with 10 points and Oquendo Leidys scored 8. Shenneika Smith (185-F/C-89, college: St.John's) ended up with 17 points and Ashmeade Tajay brought 9.
Centrobasket Women's Championship Awards 2024
