Women's AmeriCup 2017 Day 1 Report
All four games on the opening day of the Women's AmeriCup all ended with conclusive victories, but there was plenty of promise from teams that did not end up in the win column.
The day started with a good one: High-energy offence, superb ball movement and being equally effective from long and short range saw Brazil in the lead for the entire first half, though Venezuela fought hard to stay in contention.
In the second half, Brazil took their biggest lead at 15, but behind big scoring performances from Waleska Perez and Daniela Wallen - 21 and 20 points respectively - helped Venezuela back into the game and tie the scores with 4:30 left to go in the game. Brazil did not let the score line effect them, however, and their low-post shooting saw them re-take a comfortable lead, eventually closing out the game 71-63.
The rest of the day’s games were far more one-sided.
Despite a double-double from Jacqueline Luna, Mexico had no response for Puerto Rico. Behind their three-point shooting, keeping cool under defensive pressure, and a terrific performance from Allison Gibson off the bench, Puerto Rico comfortably held a double-digit lead, which continued to the final buzzer, the final score 69-49 in their favour.
Against Cuba, Canada were unstoppable in the paint, scoring 58 points from close range. The Cubans, meanwhile, looked helpless and without a real game plan. Nirra Fields had 18 points and Ruth Hamblin had a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds, as Canada ran away with what should have been a much tighter game, yet they dispatched Canada by 46 points.
After a close first quarter, Argentina pulled off some nice moves from close range and had seven total three-point shots to help them stamp their authority against Virgin Islands. Imani Tate outscored everyone with 19 points for Virgin Islands, who also had a good defensive performance, but Argentina were determined and played high-energy basketball. Outscoring Virgin Islands 34 points to 7 in the third quarter, and with four players scoring in double-figures, Argentina’s huge offensive efforts saw them take their first win in their home tournament, the final score 80 to 48.
Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Puerto Rico all got off to the best start, but good shows from the rest of the field signalled there's definitely more to come from this tournament.
For full details on all the day's games, head to the tournament's official website.
