ATLANTA (United States) – The United States unleashed an explosive offensive performance and set a new team scoring record in the Americas Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, earning their second win over Nicaragua, this time 123–93, to finish the first window with a perfect record.
The Americans’ 123 points surpass the 119 scored by Brazil on February 28, 2022, against Colombia. It also stands as the third-highest total in World Cup Qualifiers globally. The top two spots belong to New Zealand, with 133 and 124 points, both against Hong Kong.
Turning point
After 15 minutes of back-and-forth action, the United States went on a 24–13 run before halftime, then drilled six three-pointers in the third quarter to enter the final quarter with a 21-point cushion and just one remaining mission: put on a performance worthy of the record books.
Player of the game
MarJon Beauchamp delivered a standout line of 26 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds, finishing with an efficiency rating of 28. Kyle Guy also shined for USA with 17 points, while Brandon Knight posted a double-double of 16 points and 12 assists. Those 12 dimes tie the third-best mark in the Americas Qualifiers.
For Nicaragua, Jared Ruíz and Norchad Omier both turned in performances strong enough to place them among the top individual showings in the region’s Qualifiers. Ruiz led all scorers with 36 points, matching the second-highest mark, behind Colombia’s Braian Angola (37), Argentina’s Gabriel Deck (37) and Puerto Rico’s David Huertas (36). Omier, meanwhile, recorded a massive 20-point, 20-rebound double-double. His 20 boards now stand alone at the top, surpassing the 19 grabbed by Cuba’s Javier Justiz and Canada’s Kelly Olynyk.
Stats don’t lie
USA’s 123 points came on 44 made field goals in 77 attempts, shooting 57 percent from the floor. Those 44 makes are the second-highest total in the Americas Qualifiers. The Stars and Stripes also dished out 32 assists, the third-best figure in the region.
Bottom line
The United States earned their 12th win in 13 home games in World Cup Qualifiers. Their only loss came against Brazil in November 2022. In those 13 contests on home soil, they have scored more than 85 points every time.
They said
FIBA