Saturday, October 28.- The Colombian female's basketball team defeated Cuba 73-48 and earned the right to compete for the gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago. 

In their fourth game of the competition, Colombia displayed their expertise by efficiently managing the lead they began to accumulate with solid play from the beginning. They won the first quarter narrowly, 17-16, increased their superiority in the second quarter, 28-14, prevailed again in the third, 12-10, and closed the final quarter with a 16-10 victory. 

Colombia, which played for the bronze medal in the previous Pan American Games in Lima 2019 (losing to Puerto Rico), now has the opportunity to go for gold by facing Brazil or Argentina, who will play in the second semifinal of Santiago 2023. 

The standout player in this semifinal was Carolina López, contributing 15 points and an assist. The player, who already won a silver medal in 3x3 basketball at these same Pan American Games, commented, "I'm happy with the result. We continue to dream of the Pan American medal, which is the main goal. We've been improving and growing in each game, and we have experienced players, which is key, and we're going for the gold." 

Cuba, which in Santiago 2023 had two victories (against Argentina and Chile) and two defeats (to Puerto Rico and Colombia), will compete for third place against an opponent to be confirmed (Brazil or Argentina). 

The matches for the bronze and gold medals will be held on Sunday, October 29, at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. local time, respectively, at the Polideportivo 1 of the National Stadium. 

In the matches played this morning, Venezuela defeated Chile 79-70 for seventh place.

Santiago 2023 vía Photosport