Brazil clinch title in Argentina

FINAL

Argentina - Brazil 68-69
Brazil clinched Gold medals in Argentina. They topped the hosts in a thrilling Final. Taina Paixao (175-G-1991) sank a go-ahead jumper late in regulation to seal the victory for Brazil. Argentina dominated in the first half. The hosts piled up a 31-23 halftime lead. But Brazil turned things around in the second half. They entered the fourth period down by just one point. Brazil quickly erased the deficit and grabbed a 67-65 lead with 23 seconds remaining. Julieta Mungo (181-C-1997) sank two free throws to tie things up. But Taina Paixao converted a key jumper to clinch the win and the title for Brazil. She finished with 17 points, while Kamilla Soares (201-C-2001) added 15 points and 16 rebounds for Brazil. Andrea Boquete (183-SF-1990), Luciana Delabarba (167-PG-1997) and Julieta Mungo notched 12 points each for Argentina.

3-4 Place

Colombia - Venezuela 67-63 OT
Colombia stepped onto the pedestal in Argentina. They toppled Venezuela in overtime to claim Bronze medals. Colombia led by 9 points after the first period. They entered the fourth quarter up by seven points. But Venezuela held their opponents to just 10 points in the fourth term to force overtime. Colombia sank 10 points in the extra period to snatch the win. Manuela Rios (165-F-1997) posted 21 points, while Daniela Gonzalez (179-C-2002) added 12 points for the winners. Daniela Wallen (182-SF-1995, college: Okla City) answered with 19 points and 11 rebounds for Venezuela.

5-6 Place

Paraguay - Chile 62-54
Paraguay outscored Chile to finish fifth at the tournament. Chile led by three points at halftime 27-24. But Paraguay used a strong 23-12 run in the third term to spur ahead. Paraguay maintained the lead throughout the fourth period to race to the win. Maria Mercado (162-PG-1989) delivered 22 points, while Maria Caraves (169-G-1992) contributed 13 points for the winning side. Macarena Retamales (176-F/G-2001) chipped in 17 points for Chile.

7-8 Place

Uruguay - Ecuador 61-52
Natasha Dolinsky (173-G-1997, college: Lincoln, MO) scored 14 points to pace Uruguay past Ecuador in the game for the 7th place. Uruguay claimed a 17-9 lead ten minutes into the game. They followed with a strong 19-13 run in the third period to take a decisive advantage. Florencia Niski (165-PG-2002) had 12 points and 9 assists for Uruguay. Noelia Moran (180-PF-2002) replied with 9 points and 10 rebounds for Ecuador.


Tags : TAINA PAIXAO, BRAZILIAN BASKETBALL