Venezuela qualified for the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027

Published at: 06/08/2026 06:07 PM

In the South American qualifier, the national team beat Brazil (57-71) for the first time in history, advanced to the semifinals of the event and qualified for the FIBA Women's AmeriCup El Salvador 2027.

In the first set, the national team came up with five points in a row: a double from Daniela Wallen and a triple from Genesis Rivera. Brazil's answer came from Aline Moura, with a pair of three-pointers. The purpose of Enggy Rudas joining the starting quintet was to control Lety Vasconcelos in painting, and it worked. The rival generated spaces and points with guard Bella Nascimento, breaking with dribbling. Brianna Herlihy from 1v1, and Rivera's second three-pointer, allowed Venezuela to follow a high pace of play: 13-12 after six minutes. The Venezuelan Basketball Federation (FVB) detailed.

With 3:12 left to play, Luz Vargas timed out. In the next play, Henny scored his third three-pointer of the fourth. Four free throws by Wallen gave Venezuela a maximum advantage of six points (13-19). Brazil closed 5-0 in the last 1:15 (18-19).

In the second set, turnovers - three in two minutes - diminished Venezuela's effectiveness in attack. Brazil took the lead.

Venezuela was planted in zone 2-3, closing the spaces even closer to the rim. He lived with Bella's points, which he was able to cancel with a great period of Darleska - 7 pts- and with Valeria Montero as the axis to create the game -five assists-.

After the half-time break, Brazil adjusted its defense and gave up much less space. Venezuela held the lead with free throws. Wallen/Rivera and Aaliyah Guyton exchanged points at the end of the quarter. Venezuela, with remarkable defensive discipline -only four offensive rebounds from Brazil in 30 minutes-, would come with a double-digit lead to the final four (42-54).

The figure of Daniela Wallen reappeared with 10 points in the fourth. A vital streak to put Venezuela on track for victory.

Mazo News Team