Taimy Fernandez shines as Cuba topple Chile 62-42: 2011 FIBA Americas C’Ship for Women
On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, Taimy Fernandez tallied 13 points as Cuba toppled Chile 62-42 in the last game of the preliminary phase, clinching the second place in Group A. It was the third consecutive victory for the Cubans,
who will now take on Brazil in the semi-finals of FIBA Americas women's basketball championship.
Fernandez, who plays at the power forward position, also grabbed four rebounds and ended on 6 for 15 shooting from the field. Clenia Noblet added 11 points, pinning 7 for 8 from free throw line, and grabbed five rebounds while
Marlen Cepeda recorded a double-double with a game-high 12 rebounds and 10 points. The 6 ft 4 in centre also had three steals in 30 minutes of action. Small forward Leidys Oquendo also grabbed 10 rebounds for Cuba.
Javiera Novion was only player for Chile who reached the double figures in scoring. The Chilean point guard finished with a game-high 19 points, including four missiles from the three-point range. The player also dished out five
assists, grabbed five rebounds and stole the ball twice. Five of the Chile’s player did not manage to trouble the scorers in the game.
Cuba hit 26 for 69 (37.7 percent) from the field and 9 for 12 (75 percent) from free throw line while Chile went only 15 for 54 (27.8 percent) from the floor and 6 for 10 (60 percent) from the line. Additionally, Cuba pulled down
55 rebounds while Chile grabbed only 27.
The Cubans started impressively and keyed by Marlene Cepeda and Taimy Fernandez, they went ahead early. Both of the players chipped in with 6 points each in the first quarter as Cuba carried a 19-6 lead into the second. The Islanders
maintained their supremacy in the second period as well and by the time, the teams went into the locker room, Cubans were comfortably placed at 36-22.
The Cubans maintained their momentum in the third frame and courtesy an early spurt; they stretched their advantage to 22-points 51-29, going into the last 10 minutes of the game. The final quarter proved to be a mere formality
as the Cubans hung back to draw out a 62-42 win.
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