Cuba's women top Caribbean Basketball Championship

NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC):

Cuba easily disposed of The Bahamas to finish unbeaten and clinch the women's Caribbean Basketball Championship here Sunday night.

Using a strong first quarter as a foundation, Cuba stormed to an 85-54 triumph to record their fifth straight win and wrap up the round robin campaign on 10 points.

The Cubans were led by Taimy Fernandez who poured in 22 points, while Clenia Noblet gave strong support with 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Yamara Amargo 14 points.

For the losers, Deondra Kelly scored 15 points.

Cuba led 20-10 after the first quarter and despite being matched in the second quarter, held a 10-point, 34-24 advantage at half-time.

The game was over as a contest in the third quarter as Cuba outscored the Bahamians 25-19 to give themselves a handy 16-point cushion ahead of the final stanza.

Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, finished second on nine points after mounting a sterling second-half comeback to beat the Dominican Republic 82-76.

The Trinidadians appeared to be losing steam at 27-38 at the half-time break but hit back marvellously in the second half to snatch an unlikely victory.

Their rally started when they outscored their opponents 29-22 in the third quarter to close the gap to 56-60, and the comeback was completed when they poured in 26 points in the final quarter to the DR's 16, to sneak the win.

Melissa Guerrero was outstanding for T&T, finishing with a game-high 33 points and hauling in 10 rebounds, while Jowan Ortega had 17 points and eight rebounds.

For the DR, Carmen Guzman scored 26 points and snared seven assists and five steals while Sugeiry Monsac Sierra also had a big game with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

In the other contest, the US Virgin Islands beat St Vincent and the Grenadines 92-70, with Natalie Day scoring 36 points and Yanique Javois getting 27.

Vasha Adams poured in 23 points and hauled in 12 rebounds for the losers.