Argentina celebrate title in Asuncion

FINAL

Argentina - Venezuela 67-46
Argentina conquered the title at the South American U17 championship. They prevailed against Venezuela in the championship game on Sunday. Argentina dominated in the first half. They established a comfortable 50-21 halftime lead. Venezuela slowed their opponents down in the second half but could not avoid the loss. Sofia Novoa (174-PG-2008) posted 14 points, while Sofia Gonzalez (162-G-2008, college: Tufts) added 11 points for the champions. Albanys Ramirez (174-G/F-2009) tossed in 15 points for Venezuela.

3-4 Place

Paraguay - Brazil 49-43
Paraguay stepped onto the pedestal in Asuncion. They beat Brazil to capture Bronze medals. Brazil led by five points at halftime 32-27. But Paraguay held their opponents to just 11 points in the second half to race to the win. Gilda Duarte (170-G-2009) finished with 18 points, while Bethsaida Ferreira (176-C-2008) added 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Lauryn Turibio (188-C-2008) answered with 14 points and 14 rebounds for Brazil.

5-6 Place

Chile - Colombia 52-63
Colombia rallied past Chile for the 5th place finish. Chile trailed by 15 points at halftime before a 25-16 rally in the third period to get within striking distance. But Colombia sank 20 points in the fourth frame to get away with the win. Jacqueline Edelman (178-G-2008) delivered 19 points for Colombia. Constanza Mella (175-F-2009) answered with 17 points for Chile.

7-8 Place

Uruguay - Ecuador 49-53
Ecuador occupied the seventh overall position at the championship as they held off Uruguay in the final day. Ecuador built a 38-29 halftime lead and protected throughout the second half. Lusiana Mosquera (177-C-2008) finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds for Ecuador. Luciana Franca (172-G-2009) answered with 24 points for Uruguay.