The Canadians, winners over Cuba in the final of the last event two years ago in Edmonton, overcame a partisan home crowd as well as a strong opposing team to battle to victory at the Estadio Obras Sanitarias.

They started slowly against an excellent Argentinian defensive effort and trailed by seven points at halfway.

Momentum changed thereafter, however, as Canada began to dominate on both sides of the court to outscore their opponents 29-13 in the third quarter.

They held their advantage in the final stages to triumph 67-65.

Kia Nurse led the scoring for the back-to-back champions with 12 points.

Nirra Fields was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

She was joined in the All-Star Five by Canadian team-mate Miranda Ayim alongside Puerto Rico's Allison Gibson, Paraguay's Paola Ferrari and Argentina's Melisa Gretter.

Puerto Rico captured the bronze medal with a 75-68 win over Brazil.

All three medal winners duly qualified for next year's FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain. 

It will mark Puerto Rico's debut at the flagship event.