The teams of Cuba and Puerto Rico emerged victorious on the last day of the Group Phase and advanced to the Semifinals of the FIBA Women’s Centrobasket Championship, which is held at the Rodrigo M. Quevedo Gymnasium in Chihuahual, and together with Mexico and the Dominican Republic, secured all 4 available spots at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2023.
Puerto Rico (3-0) remained as the undefeated leader of Group A. Dominican Republic (2-1) seconded it. Mexico (2-0), who had a day off this Friday, did the same in Group B, escorted by Cuba (1-1).
In the Semifinals that will be played this Saturday, Puerto Rico will face Cuba and later Mexico will face the Dominican Republic. The clash of the reclassification for positions 5 to 7 will have Costa Rica (0-3) versus El Salvador (0-2).
Puerto Rico 87 – 68 Dominican Republic
The Puerto Rican team left no room for surprises. Intensity, speed and collectivity was the formula with which they easily defeated the Dominican Republic to finish with an immaculate record in Group A. Arella Guirantes with 31 points and Isalys Quiñones with 24 were decisive in the victory.
From the start, Guirantes and Quiñones combined to score 34 of the 44 scored by the Puerto Ricans, ending the first half up by 14 points. The third act was lethal, those directed by Jerry Batista allowed only 18 points to the Dominicans and scored 33, while Guirantes grew and increased his scoreboard even more, as well as the difference between the two squads grew, which reached 30 points. The last 10 minutes were mere formality.
It was a great night for the Puerto Ricans, who shot 2 for 62% (21-34), as well as 18 free throws in 21 shots. Also, they confirmed the mistakes of the Dominicans by getting 27 points, out of the 22 losses they had.
Arella Guirantes, one of the best in Puerto Rico in the Group Phase, confirmed once again her good moment with 31 points, 9 assists, 5 steals, 4 rebounds and 45 efficiency. Isalys Quiñones contributed a double-double of 24 points (7/7 in free throws) and 10 sacks.
The Dominican Republic, which began the tournament with 2 wins, had a bad night from the two-point line (11 of 30). Cheisy Hernández, from the bench, and Yohanna Morton were their top scorers with 15 and 11 points each. Yenifer Jimenez collaborated with 10 counts and Giocelis Reynoso with 11 sacks.
El Salvador 48 – 66 Cuba
In a match where both teams were settling the qualification for the AmeriCup 2023, the Cubans had no setbacks to close undefeated in Group B, get a ticket to the Semifinals and a ticket to the continental event.
The team led by Ray Santana showed its best face in the first half, with three pointers by Emily Tevez (3 in 2C), despite not achieving any of the sets, which led the Cuban team (14-12, 38-29 and 48-37).
All the facets of the game at a statistical level favored the Cubans, but where there was the greatest imbalance was in the points in the paint (44-18), the dominance of the boards (47-23) and in the contribution of the substitutes ( 31-9).
Also, those directed by Margarito Pedroso, who were not accurate from long distance (1 of 10), took advantage of their rival’s errors (19) to convert them into 20 points.
The inmate Nahomis Vargas contributed a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, and was the top scorer for the Cubans. Suanly Tanis added 11 points and 5 assists, Isabela Jourdain, with 10 counts and 9 sacks, and Melissa Despaigne, with 10 sacks, were the most outstanding on the winning team.
For El Salvador, guard Hillary Martínez was the top scorer with 20 points and 8 boards. Emily Tevez seconded her with 13 points (3 C3) and 5 rebounds.
Costa Rica 62 – 83 Guatemala
At the start of the day in Group A, Guatemala played an excellent second half and came from behind to win against Costa Rica.
The entry of forward Gabriela Vallecillo, from the bench, was key to her team’s comeback. With her shots from long range at the end of the first act, she paved the way for Guatemala to a great victory.
After an adverse partial (0-11), the Guatemalans closed the first act down only by two points (17-19) and went to halftime, and for the first time in front on the scoreboard, by three points 21-16 (38-35).
The third act was key. With a great demonstration of collective play, Guatemala got 31 points and allowed only 10 to its opponent (69-45) to face the close of the match without setbacks and stay with a wide victory.
Those led by Cristian Rivera produced 24 points after Costa Rica’s errors with the ball (22), they also scored 15 counter-attack goals, 18 on second chance and won the fight under the boards (50-38).
Intern Sonia Vásquez had a superb performance for Guatemala by signing a line of 25 points (12/13 free throws), 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Luisa Rivas also stood out with 15 points and 5 rebounds and Nathaly Pinelo with 11 counts. Gabriela Vallecillo finished with a scoresheet of 8 points and 5 rebounds.
For Costa Rica, Ana Matamoros scored 12 points and 5 rebounds, Amanda Fernández contributed another 12 points and 3 sacks, and María Cervantes closed with 11 points.