PLUGUFFAN, France – The Mexican national team emerged victorious at the international women’s basketball tournament held in Pluguffan, France, this weekend, defeating a spirited Gabérico team in a compelling final match. Despite fielding a roster of only five players throughout the competition, Mexico demonstrated resilience and skill to claim the championship title.
A Final Showdown
The championship game was a tightly contested affair, providing a thrilling spectacle for the local crowd. Mexico’s ability to maintain composure and execute their game plan proved decisive, ultimately securing their win. Ergué-Gabéric finished as the runner-up, showcasing their own competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
Local Teams Compete
The tournament marked a significant milestone for the local basketball clubs, APB (Association Pluguffan Basket), with both their teams – “Les Lionnes” and “The Queens” – participating in the international event. Jean-Charles Cordier coached “Les Lionnes,” while Franck Mével led “The Queens.”
Mixed Results for Local Squads
Despite a valiant effort, the Pluguffan teams faced a challenging competition. “Les Lionnes” and “The Queens” finished in sixth and fifth place, respectively. Players from both teams expressed a mix of pride and disappointment with their performance. “We are both delighted to have participated in this great challenge in a spirit of sharing, but disappointed with our ranking,” the players stated, according to local reports.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Pluguffan teams faced unique challenges, including the need to integrate several under-11 players into their lineups, effectively playing them up an age group. Some players were relatively new to the sport, having only begun playing in recent months. This experience, however, provides a valuable foundation for future development and growth within the club.
Mexico’s Tournament Performance
Mexico’s success at the tournament was highlighted by strong individual performances. Gabriela Jaquez led the team in scoring, averaging 21.8 points per game, and also dominated the boards with 7.8 rebounds per game. Karla Martinez contributed 11.3 points per game, while Sofia Payan added 9.5 points and 6.3 rebounds. Hazel Ramirez was a key playmaker, dishing out 4.3 assists per game, and Claudia Ramos contributed 3.0 assists per game. Myriam Lara was a defensive force, averaging 1.0 block per game.
Recent Successes for Mexico
This victory in Pluguffan follows recent successes for the Mexican national team. On February 9, 2026, Mexico clinched a championship title, securing their place in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026. Prior to this, Korea and Czechia advanced to the Final of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Mexico City, defeating Montenegro and Mexico, respectively.
COCABA Championship Performance
Mexico also recently demonstrated its dominance in the COCABA Women’s Championship, achieving a 4-0 win-loss record and securing the first position in the tournament. Mariana Valenzuela was a standout performer in that competition, averaging 15.0 points and an impressive 17.3 rebounds per game. Alexia Lagunas contributed 13.8 points per game, while Myriam Lara added 7.5 points. Hazel Ramirez led the team in assists with 5.8 per game.
Looking Ahead
The tournament in Pluguffan provided a valuable opportunity for international competition and development for all participating teams. For Mexico, it represents continued momentum as they prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026. The experience gained by the Pluguffan teams will undoubtedly contribute to their growth and future success in the regional basketball scene.
