POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Barbara Cousino
Group A
Paraguay - Uruguay 95-73
Paraguay recorded their first win at the U17 South American Championship. They defeated Uruguay to improve at 1-2 record in Group A. Natalia Quevedo stepped up with 39 points and 15 boards to pace the winners. Paraguay clinched a 25:9 lead after the starting quarter. Uruguay cut the distance in the second frame. They got within 14 points at the interval. Uruguay stayed aggressive offensively in the third term. They ensured a 13-point lead heading into the fourth frame. However Paraguay unleashed 27 points in the final stanza and sealed the winning outcome. Ana Velazquez delivered 21 points, while Natasha Alfonso added 8 points in the victory. Paula Sosa (96) responded with 20 points and 13 boards for Uruguay. Victoria Alvez netted 12 points in the loss.
Ecuador - Brazil 34-83
Brazil celebrated the third consecutive victory at the start of the U17 South American Championship. They have now entered the semifinal stage of the tournament with a perfect 3-0 record. Brazil will face Chile in the playoffs. Ecuador occupied the second position in Group A and would take on Argentina next. Brazil dominated from start to finish in this one. They claimed a 15:11 lead after the starting quarter. Brazil stretched the gap in the second quarter. They secured a 31:19 halftime lead. Brazil went on a 27:7 run in the third period to stretch the lead to as many as 32 points. Brazil never looked back en route to the victory then. Caroline dos Reis finished with 20 points for Brazil. Thayna Silva (96) contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds in the win. Karla Cajamarca and Karla Yepez responded with 7 points each for Ecuador.
Group B
Argentina - Peru 85-31
Argentina remained unbeaten after the preliminary round at U17 South American Championship. They knocked down Peru to win Group B at 3-0 record. Victoria Llorente (184-F/C-96) stepped up with 20 points and 6 boards to pace the winning side. Argentina will now take on Ecuador in the semifinals. Argentina set the tone early in the encounter. They opened a 25:7 lead ten minutes into the game. Argentina maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. They ensured a 42:13 halftime lead. Peru could not recover in the second half. Argentina ensured a comfortable 57:26 lead at the final intermission. They unloaded 28 points in the fourth term and sealed the win at the end. Maria Laviero (172-F/C-96) posted 16 points, while Grecia Gonzalez added 12 points for the winners. Andrea Tagle (97) replied with 12 points for Peru. Sharahi Jimenez chipped in 7 points in the defeat.
Venezuela - Chile 75-95
Chile clinched the place in the U17 South American Championship semifinal. They defeated Venezuela for 2-1 record in Group B. Chile will now face Brazil in the playoffs. Venezuela got to a slightly better start to the game. They posted a 22:20 lead after the opening quarter. They maintained the lead throughout the second term. Venezuela recorded a 42:39 halftime advantage. Chile however turned on all engines in the third term. They fired 27 points and surged ahead for a 66:56 lead at the final break. Chile accounted for impressive 29 points in the fourth frame to seal the victory. Barbara Cousino (178-F-96) stepped up with 34 points and 8 assists for Chile. Jessica Wevar and Catalina Abuyeres had 14 points apiece in the victory. Genesis Rivera responded with 20 points for Venezuela. Patricia Sosa netted 19 points in the defeat.
Colombia earn title in Barranquilla (Photo:Fecolcesto)
