POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Group A
Mexico - Puerto Rico 54-67
The host of U16 FIBA Americas championship failed in their first game. Puerto Rico outplayed Mexico 67-54 in Day One for 1-0 record in Group A. Aleana Leon (96) stepped up for the winners with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Claudia Ortiz (96) had 15 points and 6 boards, while Chelsea Robinson (96) added 10 pts and 8 rebs. For the hosts, Meliza Ramirez (95) had 17 points and 9 rebs. Maria Morales (95) collected 15 pts and 13 rebs. Mexico has 0-1 now Group A. The hosts dominated in the first half ending it with nice 39-17 lead. However, they somehow stopped after that and Puerto Rico took control on this meeting. They made 7-24 in third and 8-16 in the last period for the final 54-67 victory. In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Canada. Mexico will take on Guatemala.
Guatemala - Canada 17-112
Canada opened FIBA Americas U16 in style. They blasted Guatemala 112-17 for 1-0 record in Group A. Beside Canada and Guatemala, participants of the same pool are also host Mexico and Puerto Rico. Canada took control on Guatemala from the very beginning and they were increasing the lead after each quarter. Quarters: 4-30, 2-34, 8-25, 3-23. Cheyanne Roger (188-C-95) was the best player in victory with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Kia Nurse (180-PG-96) scored 15, while Emma Wolfram (193-C-95) added 13 pts and 7 boards. Guatemala on the other side did not have anyone with double-digits in scoring. They leading players were Monica Ramirez (97) and Melissa Vargas (96) with 5 pts each. In the next round, Canada will meet Puerto Rico. Guatemala will take on Mexico.
Group B
Brazil - USA 54-71
USA had wonderful beginning of the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Merida. Strong USA team blasted Brazil 71-54 for 1-0 record in Group B. Earlier in Day One, Venezuela outsmarted Argentina 38-37 also in Group B. USA made 16-11 in the first quarter, but Brazil responded with 23-15 for the next ten minutes. However, that was all from Brazil in this game as USA blasted them in the second half (21-8, 19-12) for the final 71-54 victory. Mercedes Russell (196-C-95) shined for the winners with double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds. She reached valuation 34 and was MVP of this meeting. Rebecca Greenwell (183-G-95) (6 rebs) and Stephanie Mavunga (191-F-95) netted 8 pts each. In Brazil, Izabella Sangalli (95) delivered 14 points and Raphaella Da Silva (95) added 10 pts, plus 5 rebs. In Day Two, USA will meet Argentina. Brazi will take on Venezuela.
Argentina - Venezuela 37-38
Argentina failed in Day One of the FIBA Americas U16 championship. Venezuela grabbed 37-38 thriller win for 1-0 score in Group B. Except of Argentina and Venezuela, participants of the same group are also Brazil and USA. Argentina had wonderful beginning as they made 16-6 lead in the first ten minutes. They continued with 7-2 in Q2 for plus 15 at the halftime, but they somehow stopped after that. Venezuela made 3-10 after the breather and 11-20 in the last ten minutes, what was enough for a turn and 37-38 victory at the end. Yolimar Martinez (95) had 7 points and 11 rebounds for the winners, and Daniela Morillo (95) added 7 pts and 7 rebs. Alexandra Martinez (95) (14 rebs) and Mariangel Mendoza (95) had 6 points each. In defeat, Julieta Belen Ale (96) collected 13 pts and 6 rebs. Victoria Llorente (96) stopped to 7 pts and 5 rebs.
In Day Two, Venezuela will meet Brazil, while Argentina will play against USA.
