Colombia, in its debut against Puerto Rico.
Photo: Fiba
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The Colombian women's team did not begin as expected in the Women's American 2025 and fell 68-65 against Puerto Rico, in an intense and even match played in Santiago de Chile. The national team dominated the first part of the game, but yielded the advantage in the last rooms.
The figure of the commitment was Arella Guirantes, who led the Puerto Ricans with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Now, the calendar does not give truce: this Sunday, Colombia will face the United States, on Monday to Mexico and close the group stage on Tuesday against Chile.
Colombia, dominant at start
From the initial jump the game was even. The first quarter ended even 20-20, reflecting the balance between both teams. However, in the second quarter, Colombia found more effectiveness in its field shots (50 %) and dominated from long distance (62.5 % in triples), which allowed him to go to rest with an advantage of 41-36. Statistics reflected a better Colombian moment: more rebounds, more robberies and better percentages in almost all aspects.
In that section, Manuela Ríos was the offensive leader with 16 points and a solid contribution in assists and rebounds. Yuliany Paz shone in the painting with five rebounds and two caps, while Jenifer Muñoz contributed key robberies. The closure of the first half was encouraging for a selection that dreams of overcoming the barrier of the quarterfinals for the first time after three fifth consecutive positions.
The second half went to oblivion
The third quarter marked a radical turn in the game. Colombia lost rhythm, relaxed with the advantage and began to make un -forced mistakes. Puerto Rico took advantage of the ball losses (up to 12 without scoring from the Colombians) and with a favorable partial closed the room up 51-50. The disconnection of the team was evident.
In the last quarter the offensive crisis was accentuated, while Puerto Rico hit from the perimeter. Those led by the national coaching staff looked confused, without clear responses to the Puerto Rican pressure. In the middle of that downturn, Jenifer Muñoz emerged, who with two triples revived hope four minutes from the end.
Despite his great first half, Manuela Ríos was losing precision and prominence. He failed free throws at key moments and added losses that cost the game initiative. In the last two minutes, Colombia ran out of ideas. When Muñoz stopped converting, the team no longer found another way to compete. The selection tried a final reaction, but time and aim did not reach.
On the closure, a triple failed by rivers with nine seconds on the clock finished sentence the game. It was the last possession of a party that Colombia had in its hands, but that escaped him due to the lack of forcefulness and losses. Now, the challenge will be greater: face the United States in search of a feat that keeps the options to qualify alive.
The final balance of the Colombian National Team
In statistical terms, Colombia closed with 65 points and an outstanding performance by Jenifer Muñoz (23 points, five rebounds and two robberies) and Manuela Ríos (20 points, three rebounds, three assists). The team launched for 33.9 %in field shots, improving in triples (34.78 %) but failing in the doubles (33.33 %). Paz was the best in rebounds (11), while Daniela González stood out with nine catches and four assists.
Puerto Rico, meanwhile, had a more balanced performance. Arella Guirantes led in points, Pamela Rosado contributed experience and effectiveness, and Mya Hollingshed dominated on the boards. The Puerto Ricans closed with better numbers in assists (15), offensive rebounds (15), robberies (10) and losses (10 in front of 16 of Colombia), keys to the latest rooms.
Colombia leaves with mixed sensations: a good start, prominent figures and favorable statistics in many aspects, but a second half that evidenced lack of tempering in decisive moments. There are three demanding games to try to change the story and finally achieve semifinals in the American.
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