Brazil Defeats Puerto Rico to Advance to AmeriCup Final

Guanajuato, Mexico – The Women’s National Basketball Team had its best first half of the AmeriCup on Saturday, but Brazil dominated the paint and was more consistent, defeating the Puerto Rican team 85-74 and advancing to the final of the most important FIBA ​​tournament in Guanajuato. the region.

With the victory, in addition, Brazil ensured its participation in the Olympic qualifier.

Damiris Dantas was named player of the game with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists, followed by Tainá Paixao with 17 points.

In the setback, Arella Guirantes led Puerto Rico’s offense with 22 points, five rebounds and four assists.

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Jennifer O’Neill added 17 points and Jacqueline Benitez another 15. Mya Hollingshed had 11 points.

Jennifer O’Neill celebrates with her teammates after scoring for Puerto Rico. (Josian Bruno Gomez)

“It was a great match. But we ran out of ‘teeth’ in the second half. We made a great effort today. We have to give all the credit to Brazil, but we get tired. They made their adjustments. You don’t want to lose, but we tried. They are a veteran team,” manager Jerry Batista said.

Brazil will face the winner of the clash between the United States and Canada in the final of the tournament, which will be played later on Saturday night.

The Puerto Ricans, for their part, will face the loser of said match. Both commitments will be held this Sunday.

“I was surprised that Puerto Rico was not playing well in the tournament with the great team they have. They had a gift from Venezuela, by letting them score that three-pointer at the end”, began the coach of Brazil, José Neto. “But they knew how to recover from the loss of Jazmon Gwathmey (knee). We knew that they have a great team. It fills me with pride to be able to beat Puerto Rico. They played pretty well. For us it is much more worth beating a great team like them, ”he added.

Guirantes opened the scoring for the Puerto Ricans in the first quarter, which started 8-2, thanks to two baskets by the former WNBA player, as well as a triple by Jacqueline Benítez, and one of two free throws made by India Pagán. However, the fine aim of the Brazilians made the rivals quickly close the gap.

Consecutive 3-pointers by O’Neill and Brianna Jones, as well as a basket at the sound of Hollingshed’s buzzer, made Puerto Rico close the period up, 22-16. By the second quarter, another 3-pointer by O’Neill extended the lead to nine.

Immediately afterwards, Guirantes outwitted the Brazilian defense, scoring, to continue with the great offensive moment of Puerto Rico. It was his best start so far in the tournament. Brazil countered, but Benítez and Guirantes did not fail.

A tour by Damiris Dantas, from Brazil, caused the leader of the Puerto Ricans, Jerry Batista, to ask for time. They continued ahead on the scoreboard by 11 points.

Guirantes scored again, but a triple by Tainá Paixao prevented the double-digit lead for Puerto Rico. Brazil threatened, but a midrange basket by Hollingshed and one of two free throws made by Isalys Quiñones kept the Puerto Ricans ahead.

The Brazilians celebrate in the middle of the field the victory that gives them the right to play for the Americup title. (Josian Bruno Gomez)

Isabela Macedo scored for Brazil, just before the end of the first half. Puerto Rico led at halftime, 42-39.

Hollingshed opened the third quarter with a midrange basket, but the Brazilians scored eight consecutive points to retake the 47-44 lead. The dominance of the rebounds and the painting by the rivals made Brazil maintain the advantage.

The height of the rival team began to make a difference. But Benítez and Guirantes also marked theirs. Brazil finished ahead, 62-60.

A triple by O’Neill starting the fourth period put the Puerto Ricans on top. But Brazil refused to give up the lead, until a triple by Dantas sealed the match in the fourth quarter.

“They dominated us in the last period. We had our best game, but we need to close better. We have to keep moving forward”, stated Guirantes.

2023-07-08 22:48:00
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