Classification Match-Up Ends Canada's Pan American Games Campaign
Finishing third in the group stage, Canada were out of the running for a medal at the 2019 Pan American Games, but had the chance to go out with a win. They moved on to the fifth place consolation game where they would be facing Argentina, who also failed to reach the knockout round in Lima.
Canada fell behind early on, Argentina’s play in the paint giving them a double-digit lead in the first half, but afterwards they went in front following an unbeaten fourteen-point streak in the second quarter. Even so, Argentina had the lad at half-time thanks to Andrea Boquete, who was on her way to a team-high 18 points.
After a close start to the second half, Argentina re-took their double-digit advantage. Despite the efforts of Shaina Pellington, who was the standout for Canada with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Sami Hill and Jamie Scott both put in on offence while Ruth Hamblin was again on defence, one last burst from Argentina down the stretch guaranteed them the win, the final score 59-54.
Elsewhere, the Virgin Islands saw 19 points and 13 rebounds from Anisha George, but Paraguay’s superior shooting - including twelve threes made in the game - and another high-flying performance from Paola Ferrari with 28 points, they salvaged pride with a final 69-61 win that secured them seventh place.
In the medal round, Brazil fell behind early on to Colombia, but then stepped up their pressure on offence, contesting every possession and picking up points from close range. Clarissa Dos Santos had 18 points and 13 rebounds for Brazil in their 62-48 win.
The other semi final saw the USA trailing in the first quarter, Puerto Rico's Jennifer O'Neill making her presence felt early on. The Americans were able to put themselves in front in Q2, but had to fight to keep the lead for the game's remainder.
At the end, despite O'Neill leading the score sheet with 19 points, the USA emerged victorious at the end of this heated match-up, ahead 62 points to 59. Beatrice Mompremier had 14 points and 12 rebounds in the contest.
Brazil and the USA will face off for the gold medal, while Colombia and Puerto Rico will have a chance to make it on to the podium in the bronze medal game. Canada's somewhat miserable time in Lima, though, is at an end. With the rest of the field playing above expectation, the team fell far short in their attempt to defend the title.
For more information, visit the official Pan American Games website.
