Venezuela and Brazil to clash for title in Barquisimeto

SEMIFINALS

Venezuela - Colombia 67-59
Venezuela will play for the title in Barquisimeto. The hosts overcame Colombia to advance into Final. Waleska Perez (180-SG-94, college: Weatherford JC) stepped up with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Venezuela registered a 32:27 halftime lead. The home side used a 23:12 rally in the third term to clear off for good. Roselis Silva (166-PG-91, college: Arkansas Tech, agency: Gamble Sports Management) netted 15 points for the winning side. Mabel Martinez (180-F-86) answered with 23 points and 7 rebounds for Colombia.

Brazil - Argentina 73-57
Brazil paved their way into South American Championship Final. They rallied past Argentina in the semifinal clash on Wednesday. Iziane Castro (182-G/F-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) sank 19 points to pace the defending champions. Brazil recorded a 34:25 halftime lead. Argentina however used a 26:17 run to tie things up. But Brazil responded with a 22:6 rally in the fourth frame to ice the win. Palmira Marcal (176-G-84) delivered 18 points for the winners. Gisela Vega (188-C-82) responded with 14 points for Argentina.

5-6 Place

Paraguay - Ecuador 72-52
Paraguay occupied the fifth position at the tournament. They held off Ecuador in the final game. Maria Mercado (162-PG-89) posted 19 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Paraguay recorded a 31:25 halftime lead. They went on a 22:10 run in the third term to clear off for good. Tamara Insfran (175-G/F-89, college: Cumberland) finished with 17 points for the winning side. Dayanna Salcedo (177-F/G-89) responded with 19 points and 11 rebounds for Ecuador.