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Defending champions Brazil defeated Puerto Rico 91 – 54 t0 begin their quest for the second title in a row as the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship for Women tipped off at Xalapa, the capital city of the Mexican state of Veracruz. 2013 FIBA Americas Championship for Women is the 12th edition of the competition.
Ten participating nations are divided into the following two groups. Top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals of the championship.
Group A: Cuba, Venezuela, Chile, Jamaica, Canada
Group B: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
On the opening day of the championship, Chile lost to Venezuela 74 – 77, Jamaica lost to Cuba 51 – 75, Brazil defeated Puerto Rico 91 – 54 and Argentina defeated hosts Mexico 67 – 53.
Brazil are the defending champions, while Argentina and Canada were the first and second runners up, respectively, of the 2011 edition of the championship. Started in 1989, Brazil is the most successful team in the women’s competition of the FIBA Americas, winning the title on five occasions.
Canada will face Jamaica, Cuba will face Chile, Puerto Rico will play Argentina and Dominican Republic will meet Brazil in the second round of the championship.
Top three teams from the tournament will qualify for the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women in Turkey.
