VALDIVIA (Chile) - With spots for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers already decided, Chile and Cuba faced off to determine their final positions and find out their opponents for the next stage of their World Cup journey. The Chilean squad (3-0) overcame a sluggish first quarter to edge the Cubans (2-1) 78-74 at the Coliseo Antonio Azurmendi in Valdivia. Chile made only five field goals in the first quarter, but the team opened the second period with an 11-2 run to tie the game at 23. From that point on, the hosts began to execute and showcase their main offensive weapon: the three-pointer. Felipe Haase carried the team during the comeback, while Sebastián Herrera rose to the occasion in the closing stretch as Cuba continued to fight to get back into the game. Haase finished with 21 points and 4 rebounds, knocking down 4-of-7 three-pointers in just 26 minutes before fouling out. Herrera added 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and sealed the win with a three-pointer with 47 seconds left that put his team ahead 75-71.
Chile will join Group C of the Americas Qualifiers, while Cuba, which is led by Jasiel Rivero (25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists), will be placed in Group D.
El Salvador finishes third
In Sunday’s final game, El Salvador (1-2) defeated Ecuador (0-3) 96-89 to claim third place in Group B. Brayan García posted 29 points and 15 rebounds for the Salvadoran side. FIBA