(Toronto, ON) – The U16 Women’s National Team are heading to the gold medal game after defeating the host team Mexico 70-42 in the semi-final round of the U16 Americas tournament in Puebla, Mexico.
Alyssa Jerome had a monster game for Canada, with her first double-double of the tournament with 16 points and 16 rebounds in 21 minutes. Hailey Brown chipped in with 14 points and Shaina Pellington pulled down 9 rebounds in the win. Mexico’s Maria Ruiz was the standout, pouring in 13 points in 20 minutes of action. For a full boxscore, click here.
Canada found themselves trailing for most of the first quarter, Canada stayed in the game by pulling down 7 offensive rebounds in the quarter. In the final 22 seconds of the first, Canada finally took the lead, and went into the second quarter with a 27-24 lead.
The second quarter went back and forth both ways, Mexico threw different types of defences at Canada which at times caused confusion. However Canada would settle in took a 46-32 lead into half.
Canada started the half on a 7-0 run, but than went cold from the field. In a six-minute span, Canada did not score, however Mexico could not capitalize and Canada found themselves up 56-38 heading into the fourth. In the final quarter, Canada locked down defensively and held Mexico to 4 points, to seal the win.
Canada will now take on Brazil again, however this time in the gold medal game. Tip-off set for 9:00p.m. EST. The game will be streamed on youtube.com/FIBA
Canada has also earned a berth in the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championships. For full team roster and coaching staff, click here.
About Canada Basketball:
Canada Basketball is a private, not-for-profit corporation committed to excellence in leading the growth of the game domestically and in pursuing medal performances on the international stage.
Courtesy Canada Basketball
Drew Ebanks
