MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – United States captured the FIBA AmeriCup bronze medal on Sunday, defeating Canada 90-85 at the Alexis Arguello Sports Complex in Managua, Nicaragua. For the second tournament in a row, the Americans kept their northern neighbors off the podium. In Brazil in 2022, they also overcame Canada in the Third Place Game. It marks the team’s third straight medal finish after winning the title in 2017.
The U.S. has earned its 10th all-time podium finish, which includes seven championships, one silver medal, and now two bronze.
Turning point
USA took control of the scoreboard with over six minutes remaining in the first quarter and never gave it back. The team led for 33 minutes, though they had to withstand Canada’s repeated comeback attempts.
With 4:53 left in the final period, Langston Galloway buried a three-pointer to stretch the lead to 11, right after Canada had trimmed it to just six following a 17-point deficit. That proved to be the decisive blow, although Canada fought until the very last possession.
TCL player of the game
Javonte Smart and Tyler Cavanaugh paced the Americans with 21 points each. Both grabbed three rebounds, while Smart also dished out four assists.
Jahmius Ramsey added 12 points off the bench, and Galloway finished with 11.
For Canada, Mfioundy Kanbegele and Marcus Carr each scored 16 points. Kanbegele grabbed 7 rebounds, while Carr handed out 7 assists. Kyshawn George fouled out, but still contributed 14 points.
Stats don’t lie
Three-point shooting paved the way for the United States. The team connected on 12 of 27 attempts (44 percent). Cavanaugh and Galloway accounted for half of them with three makes apiece. USA also displayed solid teamwork with 25 assists, including 7 from Jerian Grant.
Bottom line
The U.S. continued its dominance over Canada, improving to 10 wins in 11 head-to-head meetings. Canada’s last victory came back in 2005 with a 92-76 score.
They said
Tyler Cavanaugh reflected on the chance to wear his country’s jersey during the AmeriCup:
“I don’t know when I’ll get another chance to wear this jersey. It was hard to sleep the night before after the loss to Brazil, but you don’t want to go home with a bitter taste, so I came out ready to battle. Fortunately, I get to take a medal home. Our goal was gold, but I’m proud of the way we responded in this game,” he said.
FIBA