Aug. 14, 2007 — The Virgin Islands women basketball team failed to advance to the medal round of the Caribbean Basketball Championships Sunday, falling to Trinidad and Tobago 45-69 in Morovis, Puerto Rico.
The Virgin Islands managed to do what no other team has been able to do in the tournament: take a 19-9 first period lead over the bigger team.
But T&T bounced back, holding the Virgin Islands to just four points in the second period on their way to a 34-23 halftime lead.
In the third period, the VI showed some signs of offensive life but T&T won the frame 20 to 15. And the final period was all Trinidad as the Soca Princesses outscored the Virgin Islands 15 to 7.
Turnovers were a constant problem for the Virgin Islands team. They lost the previous game against Dominican Republic by turning the ball over 10 times in the fourth period, after leading by 14. The same problem reared its head in this game; the VI turned the ball over 30 more times against the Trinidadian team.
The Virgin Islands as a team shot 27 percent in two-point field goals and 17 percent from beyond the arc. The VI, despite their size, outrebounded Trinidad 51 to 39.
Yanique led the Virgin Islands with 14 points but had 5 turnovers. Damarah Rhymer chipped in with 11 points but tallied 6 turnovers.
Trecha Ann Jackson-Kennedy led T& T with 23 points and eight boards. Pietra Gay and Rhea Codio both added 11 points.
The Virgin Islands (1-2) will battle for 5th place on Tuesday.
