Captain Cousiño stars in crucial Chile victory

Captain Bárbara Cousiño led from the front with 19 points as Chile earned a vital win in the FIBA Américas U18 Basketball Championships in Colorado Springs.
After losing to Argentina in their opener, the pressure was on Chile to beat Puerto Rico to keep their semi-final chances alive.
Cousiño scored 11 points in the first half as la Roja eased into a 36-25 advantage.
Chile extended their lead in the third quarter to 15 points to virtually ensure victory. Puerto Rico cut the deficit by three points in the last quarter, but Chile had done enough to ensure an impressive 63-51 victory.
Aside from Cousiño´s 19-point haul, there were also strong displays from Catalina Abuyeres (11 points and 13 rebounds) and Jenifer Fuentes (10 points and 11 rebounds).
The win lifted Chile to the top of Group B on points difference, though all four teams have three points after their opening two matches. Brazil beat Argentina 61-56 in the other match on Thursday.
It means there is all to play for when the final group matches take place tomorrow. The winners of the matches – Chile v Brazil and Argentina v Puerto Rico – will qualify for the semis.
The stakes are high because the semi-finalists earn places to the World Championships.

Tags: Bárbara Cousiñho, basketball, Catalina Abuyeres, Chile, Jenifer Fuentes