USVI capture FIBA Women’s Championship

GEORGETOWN, Guyana:

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) were crowned champions of the FIBA Women's Caribbean Championship after dismissing The Bahamas 105-81 on Sunday.

The win ensured the USVI ended the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record to automatically qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women's Centrobasket Championship.

The USVI rushed out to a 29-19 first quarter lead and never took their foot off the gas, winning every period behind a dominant offensive display and a bruising interior presence, which saw them outrebound their opponents 56-31 and forced 14 turnovers, which fuelled transition buckets that blew the game wide open.

Anisha George was unstoppable in the paint for the USVI, putting up a monster 26-point, 21-rebound effort on 10 of 13 shooting. J-Naya Ephraim added 17 points and six assists, while captain Imani Tate contributed 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

The Bahamas were led by impressive performances from star player Lashann Higgs, who scored 37 points and a 32-point effort from Valerie Nesbitt.

Meanwhile, Guyana and The Bahamas also booked their spots at next year's Women's Centrobasket Championship after finishing second and third, respectively.

The hosts ended the tournament with a 3-1 record after defeating Jamaica in their final game, while The Bahamas (2-2) qualified despite losing to the USVI.

- CMC