POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Natalie Kleemann-Day
U.S. Virgin Islands - Puerto Rico 58-60
Virgin Islands claimed Centrobasket title. They did so despite narrowly losing to Puerto Rico in the final day of the championship. Natalie Day (182-G/F-90, college: Portland) came up with 17 points and 12 rebounds for the champions. Virgin Islands recorded 31:26 halftime lead. They extended the lead at 8-point mark heading into the fourth frame. Puerto Rico ignited a 23:13 run in the final period to snatch the win. Ashley Perez (173-G-94) topscored with 15 points, while Dayshalee Salaman (163-PG-90, college: Lincoln Memorial) accounted for 12 points for Puerto Rico. Imani Tate (173-G-95, agency: LBM Management) deposited 16 points for Virgin Islands.
Jamaica - Mexico 43-74
Mexico clinch FIBA AmeriCup birth. They knocked down Jamaica to finish in the second position at the championship. Jacqueline Luna-Castro (188-F-93, college: Charleston) posted 18 points in the victory. Mexico established a 40:23 halftime lead. They held Jamaica to just 20 points in the second half and cruised to the win. Maria Orozco (176-PF-86, college: Buffalo) chipped in 12 points for the winning side. Shenneika Smith (185-G/F-89, college: St.John's) answered with 22 points for Jamaica.
Bahamas - Guatemala 68-65
Bahamas finished the championship on a winning note. They held off Guatemala to end up in the 5th position. Leashja Grant (188-C-94) posted 14 points and 21 rebounds in the victory. Bahamas led by just one point at the interval 25:24 halftime lead. Guatemala pulled ahead in the third term but Bahamas sank 26 points in the fourth quarter and snatched the win. Valerie Nesbitt (167-G-98) netted 12 points for Bahamas. Alma Lopez (165-G-86) responded with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Guatemela.