Recap of Day 7 (Semi-Finals) in Santiago, Chile

Places 5-8

Dominican Republic - Colombia 53-81
In the 5-8 placement bracket, Colombia proved too strong for Dominican Republic, winning 81-53. Yuliany Paz (195-C-2000) dominated with 20 points and 13 rebounds, Esperanza Delgado (172-SF-1996) added 19 points, and Jenifer Munoz (170-F-1991) had 13 points and 7 rebounds. Dominican Republic was led by Cesarina Capellan (178-SF-2003) with 16 points and 7 rebounds, Giocelis Reynoso (190-C-1995, college: CCSU) added 11 points and 8 rebounds, and Yirsy Queliz (163-PG-2004) had 10 points. Colombia advances to the 5th place game against Puerto Rico, while Dominican Republic will play Mexico for 7th place.

Mexico - Puerto Rico 67-72
Puerto Rico held on to beat Mexico 72-67 in a tight contest. Guirantes Arella (181-SG-1997, college: Rutgers) led the way with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, while Pamela Rosado (165-PG-1986) added 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Mexico saw a big effort from Mariana Valenzuela (188-F-2003), who had 22 points and 7 rebounds. Myriam Lara (188-F/C-1994) added 8 points and 9 rebounds. Puerto Rico will now face Colombia in the 5th place game, while Mexico plays Dominican Republic for 7th place.

Semi-Finals

USA - Canada 65-53
USA booked its place in the AmeriCup final after overcoming Canada 65-53 in a tough defensive battle. Hannah Hidalgo (168-G-2005) led the charge with 19 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, while Madison Booker (185-F-2005) added 12 points and 4 rebounds. Mikayla Blakes (173-G-2005) contributed 11 points and 4 boards. Canada was led by Kayla Alexander (193-C-1991, college: Syracuse), who had 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Yvonne Ejim (185-F-2002, college: Gonzaga) added 10 rebounds and Shaylisha Colley (176-G-1996, college: Michigan St.) scored 7 points. The Americans dominated defensively, collecting 17 steals and holding Canada to just 28.3% on two-pointers. USA will face Brazil in the gold medal game, while Canada will take on Argentina in the battle for bronze.

Brazil - Argentina 108-68
Brazil delivered a dominant performance, dismantling Argentina 108-68 behind an explosive offense and team play. Bella Nascimento (173-G-2002, college: William & Mary) scored 22 points and dished 3 assists, Damiris Dantas (191-F-1992) added 16 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, and Kamilla Cardoso (201-C-2001, college: S.Carolina) recorded 16 points and 8 rebounds. Thayna Silva (180-F-1996) nearly had a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Aline Moura (185-F/C-1997) scored 9 points. Argentina couldn't keep pace, despite 15 points from Melisa Gretter (166-PG-1993) and 12 from Amaiquen Siciliano (170-G-1999, college: Bishop's). Brazil owned the game statistically-outrebounding Argentina 37-20, dishing 35 assists to Argentina's 15, and blocking five shots to none. Brazil will now face USA for the championship, while Argentina goes into the bronze medal game against Canada.