POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Iziane Castro
Brazil - Fiji 125:45
Brazil ruined Fiji hopes of reaching the quarterfinal stage by beating them 125:45 on the second day of action in Olympic Qualifying tournament. Brazil who were crowned the South American Champions just a week prior to the competition had little problems holding off brave but inexperienced Fiji players. Brazil thus booked their quarterfinal spot and would need another win to make it to Beijing. Brazilian team quickly stepped up to grab a 29:12 lead into the second term. Fiji struggled to contain the onslaught as they conceded 31 points in the second frame and arrived at halftime trailing by as many as 36 points. Brazil went on a run right after the break and finished the third stanza up by 55 points. The outcome was pretty clear and the Latin American team breezed to a stunning victory at the end. Brazil played without Erica De Souza who stayed in the USA because of an injury. Iziane Castro (183-G/F-82) provided 28 points to lead the charge. Jucimara Dantas (192-C-78) dropped 22 points, while Kelly Santos (192-C-79) notched 15 points and 8 boards for the winners. Valerie Nainima (165-G-86) answered with 17 points for Fiji. Letava Whippy dropped 11 points in defeat. Brazil outrebounded their opponents 47:27 and forced those to 24 turnovers. Fiji also sank only 24% from the field, while Brazil responded with 63% accuracy. Brazil will now face hosting Spain to decide on the winner of Pool C.
Brazil: Iziane Castro 28, Jucimara Dantas 22, Kelly Santos 15
Fiji: Valerie Nainima 17, Letava Whippy 11
Queens add Whippy to their roster
