POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
FINAL
USA - Brazil 73-40
USA won the Gold at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Merida. They dominated during the entire event and finally blasted Brazil 73-40 for the Gold. The Silver belongs to Brazil of course. It is important to mention that both teams booked a place for the next U17 World Championships. Linnae Harper (5'8''-G-95) stepped up for USA in the Finals with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Jannah Tucker (5'11''-G-95) had 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, while Mercedes Russell (6'5''-C-95) helped with double-double of 10 points and 12 boards. In the loosing squad, Izabella Frederico (95) shined with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Their second scorer was Vitoria Domingos (96) with just 6 pts (5 rebs).
USA took control on Brazil from the very beginning. The Americans made 19-8 lead in the first ten minutes and continued with 21-10 in Q2. Nothing has changed after the breather as USA was simply too strong for Brazil. Third quarter ended with 23-9, after what USA slowed down and Brazil made 10-13 in the last ten minutes.
USA won the Group B with perfect 3-0 record and later eliminated Puerto Rico in the Semis.
Places 3-4
Puerto Rico - Canada 36-53
The Bronze belongs to Canada. They outplayed Puerto Rico 53-36 in the battle for third place at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Merida. Thanks to this win, Canada also booked a spot for the next U17 World Championship. Puerto Rico stays without the medal at this event. Cheyanne Roger (188-C-95) was the only player with double-digits in scoring for Canada. She had 10 points and also grabbed 7 rebounds beside that. Emma Wolfram (193-C-95) (7 rebs) and Hilary Hanaka (175-G-96) helped with 8 points each. In the loosing squad, Claudia Ortiz (96) collected 10 points and 8 boards. Gileysa Quinones (97) stopped to 9 pts. Canada took control on Puerto Rico from the very beginning. They made 9-16 in the first ten minutes, but somehow stopped after that. Puerto Rico replied with 10-6 in the second period, but it was all from them in this game. Canada made 13-15 in third and 4-16 in the last quarter for the final 36-53 victory and Bronze medal in Merida.
Places 5-6
Argentina - Venezuela 82-33
Argentina finished U16 FIBA Americas Championship in Merida as No.5. They destroyed Venezuela last night 82-33 in the game for fifth place. Victoria Llorente (96) was unstoppable in victory with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Andrea Ledesma (97) also was great adding 20 points and 8 rebs. Ledesma was actually the MVP of this meeting with valuation 28. Sofia Aispurua (95) helped with 8 points and 14 rebounds. In the loosing squad, Daniela Wallen (95) collected 13 points and 5 rebounds. Maholy Lovera (96) had 8 pts and 5 rebs. Argentina was way better team during the entire game. They made 23-6 lead in the first ten minutes and later were just extending it in each period. They made 18-5 in Q2 and 28-7 in third frame. Argentina slowed down after that as the last ten minutes were just the formality.
Places 7-8
Mexico - Guatemala 86-23
Mexico avoided last place in Merida. The host of U16 FIBA Americas Championship smashed Guatemala 86-23 taking the seventh place at this event. Guatemala ended it winless. Daniela Soto (96) top-scored for the winners with 15 points. Ingrid Martinez (95) had double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Maria Lopez (96) (7 as) and Virginia Gonzalez (98) (6 rebs) netted 12 points each. Guatemala got 8 points from Elizabeth Gutierrez (97). Monica Ramirez (97) scored 4. Mexico dominated in all basketball elements against Guatemala. The hosts made 20-point lead in the first ten minutes and later were just increasing their plus. Quarters: 27-7, 19-4, 23-4, 17-8.
