POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Ecuador recently hosted a major basketball event. The 14th edition of the South American U17 championship for Women was held in Cuenca. The competition comprised 6 Latin American squads that fought for the right to participate in the 2008 U17 FIBA Americas Championship for Women. The top three teams were about to advance after the fifth rounds of action. The contenders were Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Chile and hosting Ecuador.
Round 1 of the tournament saw the favorites grab their first wins. Argentina easily defeated Chile 81:40 behind Debora Gonzalez (-90) 23 points. Venezuela edged Ecuador 92:70. And finally Brazil were victorious against Peru 96:46. Debora Da Costa knocking down 23 points for the winners.
Round 2 enjoyed one of the main championships treats as old rivalry between Brazil and Argentina took a new shape. Argentina however quite easily took care of Brazil 68:54. Debora Gonzalez chipped in 20 points to pace Argentina. Venezuela drove to their second win as they dismantled Peru 96:43 behind 17 points from Igsen Muria and Cleider Blanco.
The third round cleared out first two lucky ones who qualified for the 2008 championship. These were Venezuela and Argentina squads as they remained unbeaten. Venezuela handed in a 72:65 loss to Brazil. Roselis Silva (-91) sparked with 17 points for Venezuela. Argentina meanwhile secured a 55:43 victory over Ecuador to ensure one of the top spots. Debora Gonzalez and Andre Boquete produced 11 points apiece.
In the battle of titans Venezuela narrowly edged Argentina 73:71 in Round 4 of the championship. Cleider Blanco notched 34 points for Venezuela. Nayla Kraft (-90) replied with 19 points for Argentina. In another two encounters Brazil cruised past Chile 92:36, while Ecuador bumped Peru 77:54.
Venezuela celebrated the title in the Round 5 as they crashed Chile 84:48 to end the competition undefeated and on top of the standings. Argentina finished second after they confidently overcame Peru 69:34 in their last fixture. The last qualification spot was decided in Brazil versus Ecuador encounter. Brazilian basketballers came out as winners in a dramatic battle. They secured a tough 57:55 victory and occupied the third spot.
Peru - Brazil 46:96
Argentina - Chile 81:40
Ecuador - Venezuela 70:92
Peru - Venezuela 43:96
Ecuador - Chile 70:39
Argentina - Brazil 68:54
Chile - Peru 59:50
Brazil - Venezuela 65:72
Ecuador - Argentina 43:55
Brazil - Chile 92:36
Argentina - Venezuela 71:73
Ecuador - Peru 77:54
Venezuela - Chile 84:48
Argentina - Peru 69:34
Ecuador - Brazil 55:57
Colombia earn title in Barranquilla (Photo:Fecolcesto)
