FIBA Americas Women - Cuba remain undefeated to ease into Semi-Finals
XALAPA (FIBA Americas Championship for Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - Cuba became the first team to punch their ticket for the Semi-Finals of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship for Women in Xalapa, Mexico after consolidating top spot in Group A with a third win in as many games after a vital 82-72 success over Venezuela.
The success was built on yet another stellar offering by Yamara Amargo, with the dynamic forward registering a sparkling 28 points, 16 of which came in the first half when Cuba opened up a double-digit advantage to take the initiative.
Already up 25-12 after the first quarter thanks to some deadly three-point shooting by Amargo, Venezuela rallied and threatened to get on equal terms with Cuba in the second period.
But Cuban head coach Alberto Zabala took a time-out and it quelled Venezuela as his team kept their nerve to take a 40-29 lead to the locker room.
Cleyder White did her best to drag Venezuela back into the contest during the second half, but despite dropping 19 points, Cuba were able to keep their rivals at arms' length for the remainder of the game.
And the Cubans look destined to potentially fight it out for top spot with Canada who still have some work to do, but have taken a big step forward towards the last four of the tournament, after making it two wins from two games by strolling past Chile 93-51.
The North American team were propelled to victory by Shona Thorburn who fired 15 points, although it was some excellent work by Tamara Tatham in the first half which set the tone for the victory - as did keeping the ever-present danger posed by Chile center Ziomara Morrison under effective control.
Once Canada put the early squeeze on their opponents and held them to just 10 points in the opening period, it always looked like Chile would lack the firepower needed to compete, despite an impressive 18 points from Barbara Cousino.
And with the Canadians also finding their range from the perimeter, Chile went into something of a meltdown to slump to a third loss as Canada kept their perfect record intact.
In Group B, there was a second win for Puerto Rico who cruised past Mexico 78-60 off the back of 15 points from Carla Cortijo and a superb third quarter, when the hosts imploded and watched their chance of a comeback and much needed victory slip away.
Alexis Castro took over the mantle of main offensive weapon for Mexico and scored an excellent 24 points, but her team were undone by a powerful run by Puerto Rico just after the interval.
A 5-0 start to the second half was a sign of things to come as the Caribbean team exploded, taking a 43-32 lead and then extending their advantage to an unassailable 17 points.
It means Puerto Rico have an excellent chance to make it to the last four of the competition, and can enjoy a day off on Tuesday ahead of their final Group B game on Wednesday against the Dominican Republic.
Argentina are still in contention and are clinging on to their Semi-Final prospects after they bounced back from their loss to Puerto Rico to canter to a 67-44 victory against Dominican Republic.
Gisela Vega and Paula Reggiardo were the duo who did the damage with a combined 37 points, although it was a powerful display under the hoop and on the glass which set up the win.
Argentina poured in 24 points in the paint during the first half to take a 32-21 lead and with Melisa Gretter pulling the strings to good effect in the backcourt with an eye-catching seven assists, a Dominican Republic success never looked likely.
Argentina must now beat their South American and unbeaten rivals Brazil.
For full and in-depth coverage of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship for Women, go to the official website http://www.xalapa2013.com.
