Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-16 women suffered a tough loss to hosts Nicaragua in their opening game of the Centro-basket U-17 Women’s 2023 Qualifiers in Managua.
T&T started well, settling early, and opening the scoring through Amariah Clyne. The girls in red looked solid on the defensive end as well with Mariah Charles coming up with big blocks and timely rebounds to keep her Nicaraguan counterparts at bay.
T&T led at the end of the first quarter 13–8, and stayed in control at the half 20-14. At the start of the third quarter, Nicaragua was faster out of the blocks, knocking down an early three-pointer to get the home crowd on their feet but T&T maintained a slim 35–30 lead going into the 4th.
The momentum swung in favour of Nicaragua in the final period as Charles fouled for the ladies in red. The home team winning 50 to 44.