Spain and USA Set Up the Finale: FIBA U-19 World Championship for Women July 30 Roundup
Spain 55 – Australia 49
A low scoring semifinal saw Spain nudge past Australia to set up a final clash with either USA or Brazil. Spain’s team was led by Astou Ndour, who not only bagged 13 points, but also pounded the same number of rebounds. She received
good assistance from Mariona Ortiz, the Spanish small forward, who scored 10 points and provided 5 assists.
The Australian side scored a low total for the second consecutive time against Spain; however, Rebecca Cole was at hand to pocket 14 points and 5 steals for her team. Sara Blicavs, the power forward, also managed 11 points and
4 rebounds.
The match was a cagy affair, with the first quarter ending on almost equal terms at 16-15. The second quarter saw both teams struggle and by the time it ended, Spain led Australia by 24-20 at halftime. A 4 point lead amounted to
nothing with two quarters yet to go.
The Australians managed to produce a better performance in the third, clinching the quarter by 2 points and hence reducing their deficit to just 2 points. The crucial fourth quarter seemed to be a closely fought affair, with Spain
holding their nerves, unlike the preliminary round games, and clinching the game with a margin of 6 points.
USA 82 – 66 Brazil
USA demolished all Brazilian hopes and defeated them to set up a final clash with the awaiting Spaniards. Team USA produced a true team effort, which has been the main reason behind their success in the past few years.
Bria Hartley led the offensive for the Americans with 20 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Power forward Cierra Burdick added 11 points and 9 rebounds. A solid performance was also witnessed from point guard Ariel Massengale, who
netted 10 points, dished out 9 assists and scooped 4 rebounds while Stefanie Dolson also contributed with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
The Brazilian camp once again sought the help of centre Damiris Dantas, who bagged 13 points and 8 rebounds. She had support in small forward Tassia Carcavalli, who earned 11 points and distributed 3 assists.
The game was always in control of the three time defending champions as they took a 5 point lead going into the second quarter. The second quarter saw team USA extend their lead further to 13 points and the halftime score read
49-36.
The Brazilians tirelessly tried to keep pace with their North American counterparts, but were only able to finish the third quarter at 16-17. A 14 point lead was more than a mountain to climb against a formidable USA team and Brazil
eventually lost to the Americans by a margin of 16 points.
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