Costa Rica U20 W 46–86 Puerto Rico U20 W | International U20 Friendly

Puerto Rico U20 Women’s team cruised to a dominant 86–46 victory over Costa Rica U20 Women in an international friendly on July 30, 2026. The game, part of the International Women U20 series, saw Puerto Rico impose its will from the opening quarter, overwhelming Costa Rica with superior size, speed, and defensive pressure. The 40‑point margin reflects a comprehensive performance by the visitors.

Match Overview

Puerto Rico wasted no time establishing control, racing to a 26‑8 lead after the first quarter. Costa Rica struggled to handle Puerto Rico’s full‑court press, committing 12 turnovers in the first half alone. By halftime, Puerto Rico led 50–22. The second half was more of the same, with Puerto Rico’s bench players gaining valuable minutes and maintaining the intensity. Costa Rica never managed to cut the deficit below 30 points.

• First Quarter Blitz: Puerto Rico shot 11‑of‑16 from the field while holding Costa Rica to 3‑of‑14.
• Rebounding Dominance: Puerto Rico outrebounded Costa Rica 48‑24, including 16 offensive boards that led to 18 second‑chance points.
• Defensive Pressure: Costa Rica turned the ball over 24 times, leading to 32 points for Puerto Rico.

Player Performances

Puerto Rico’s guard Valeria Rodríguez led all scorers with 18 points, adding 7 assists and 5 steals. Center Gabriela Santiago recorded a double‑double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. For Costa Rica, forward María Jiménez fought hard for 12 points and 8 rebounds, but she had little support from her teammates, who combined for just 34 points on 31% shooting.

Key Takeaways

• Puerto Rico’s depth and athleticism were on full display, with 10 players scoring.
• Costa Rica will need to improve ball‑handling and transition defense ahead of future competitions.
• The friendly serves as important preparation as both teams evaluate their rosters for upcoming international tournaments.

Looking Ahead

Puerto Rico continues its tour with a match against another Central American opponent, while Costa Rica will look to regroup and build on the experience gained against a higher‑level team. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the game provided valuable exposure for both squads at the U20 level.