MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – The United States erased the sting of its group phase defeat to Uruguay, taking revenge with an 83-70 win that eliminated the South Americans from the FIBA AmeriCup 2025. The quarter-final matchup featured periods of alternating control between both sides, but the Americans opened the last two quarters with decisive runs that swung the game in their favor. They built a cushion they never relinquished.
Turning point
After Uruguay went into halftime up by seven (45-38), USA responded with a 10-2 run to start the third quarter and reclaim the lead. Stephen Silas’ squad repeated the formula in the final frame, opening with an 11-4 burst that stretched the lead to double digits (10 points at its peak), and the team held firm the rest of the way.
TCL player of the game
Javonte Smart spearheaded the American offense. The Orlando Magic G League guard poured in 27 points, adding 2 rebounds and 1 assist, while shooting an efficient 69 percent from the field, including 5 three-pointers.
Other key contributors for the USA were Jerian Grant (13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) and Zachary Auguste (13 points, 7 rebounds). Jack Cooley made his presence felt on the glass, pulling down 12 rebounds, 6 of them offensive. For Uruguay, Santiago Vescovi and Emiliano Serres stood out with 17 and 15 points, respectively.
Stats don’t lie
Uruguay struggled to find its rhythm early, hitting only 2-of-6 field-goal attempts in the first quarter. The team improved as the game went on, finishing at 37 percent shooting overall, but the three-point line doomed them. Uruguay went just 3-for-20 from deep — its third-worst mark ever in an AmeriCup game. Meanwhile, the USA knocked down 10 triples.
Bottom line
This was the USA’s sixth win in eight AmeriCup matchups against Uruguay. The Americans now advance to their tenth semi-final in tournament history, where they hold a 7-2 record. They will face Brazil in the next round.
They said
Veteran guard Langston Galloway praised the team’s poise and execution down the stretch. “In the second half we executed really well. In the final minutes, we got stops on defense, scored on the other end, and were able to pull away. That was key for us,” Galloway said in the mixed zone. He also expressed his excitement about reaching the semi-finals, knowing the challenge that awaits. “It’s amazing to advance. It’s something big. We know Brazil is a great team. We’re ready, and we have to go out there and get the win,” he told FIBA Americas.
FIBA