The North Americans didn’t even have their most efficient offensive game, finishing just 39.7 percent from the field. However, their defensive intensity, size advantage, and supremacy on the boards more than made up for it. Victor Lapeña’s squad had four different players scoring in double digits and as many as eight collecting multiple buckets. Laeticia Amihere led the way with an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double with a pair of blocks in 25 minutes of action off the bench.

Veteran Kia Nurse, forward Bridget Carleton, and youngster Cassandre Prosper added 10 points apiece for Team Canada, who got more points from their bench (45) than their opponent scored overall. Venezuela struggled mightily to generate offence and was held to just 23 percent from the field. They connected on just 4 of 24 three-point attempts and had 18 turnovers.

Mariana Duran (10 points) was their only player scoring in double digits, with Aguehil Fajardo (7) and Daniela Wallen (6) struggling with their shots and the whole team being unable to put enough pressure on the rim or get to the free throw line.

They even had a chance to win in the final seconds after Puerto Rico committed an intentional foul that sent Manuela Ríos to the charity stripe with 3.6 seconds left in regulation. Ríos made both, and because Colombia got the ball back, she was able to get off a free-throw line jumper that rimmed out.

But in the end, Puerto Rico’s accuracy at the line (16/19) proved to be the difference. They also shot 43.6 percent from the field and outrebounded their opponent, 42-38. However, Guirantes pointed out that their defence needs to be better the rest of the way. Puerto Rico only forced six turnovers and allowed Colombia to rack up 22 assists on 29 made baskets.

The South Americans missed nine of their 20 free throw attempts—costly mistakes that could’ve tipped the balance of the matchup. Centre Yuliany Paz did everything in her power to please the home crowd, finishing with 24 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and a pair of blocks.