Venezuelan women's basketball team runner-up in the FIBA 2026 South American Women's Championship

Published at: 09/08/2026 10:42 PM

The Venezuelan women's basketball team closed an outstanding participation in the FIBA 2026 South American Championship by becoming runner-up and qualifying for the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2027.

Venezuela won the silver medal after falling 53-44 this Sunday against host Argentina in the grand final played at Espacio DAM in Zárate.

The Criollas kicked off the fight for the crown with impetus by taking the first quarter 17-13. However, the Argentine side reacted in the second half (19-7) to take the lead and manage the advantage in the second half (11-12 in C3 and 10-8 in C4), securing the title and leaving Venezuela with a valuable continental silver medal.

At the individual level, Genesis Rivera led the Venezuelan attack with 11 points, while Brianna Herlihy dominated the painting with 10 rebounds. For her part, Daniela Wallen scored 8 points and 2 assists for the national cause.

For the locals, Melisa Gretter had 17 points and 4 assists, while Diana Cabrera had 16 efficiency and 9 rebounds.

The team led by Luz Vargas finished the group stage undefeated with a 2-0 record after defeating Chile 62-51 and Colombia 68-64 and selling the semifinals 57-71 to their Brazilian counterpart.

Mazo News Team