MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Uruguay (1-1) delivered the first major upset of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 by defeating the United States (1-1) 86-85. It marks only the second victory ever for the South American squad against the Americans in the competition’s history, with the first dating back to the 2001 edition. The triumph also lifted coach Gerardo Jauri’s team into second place in Group A, putting them in control of their destiny in the race to the quarter-finals with just one game remaining in the group stage.
Turning point
The contest was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish. Uruguay went ahead by eight (78-70) on a three-pointer from Santiago Vescovi with 4:21 minutes left, but the United States responded with three long-range shots— one from Langston Galloway and two from Jahmius Ramsey, to take an 83-82 lead with just 1:18 remaining. Moments later, Mateo Bianchi scored under the basket as the shot clock was about to expire, restoring Uruguay’s lead at 84-83 with 51 seconds to play. At the other end, Galloway carried his team throughout the game, but missed a wide-open three-pointer. While the Americans hesitated on whether to foul to stop the clock, Vescovi took advantage of the indecision and drove to the rim for a layup, making it 86-83 for Uruguay with 23 seconds left. Ramsey had a three-point attempt to tie, but it rimmed out. Although Tyler Cavanaugh scored on an offensive rebound, only five seconds remained, and the U.S. had no timeouts left. Uruguay held on for the historic win.
TCL player of the game
Vescovi, beyond hitting the decisive basket, came off the bench to power Uruguay with 24 points (including 4 threes) and 5 assists. Shooting guard Joaquín Rodríguez followed with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals.
For the U.S., Galloway tallied 25 points with 5 three-pointers, while Ramsey added 19.
Stats don’t lie
The key for Uruguay was inside play, despite concerns coming into the tournament about the team’s lack of size. They grabbed 45 rebounds (18 offensive) compared to the Americans’ 33. Those offensive boards translated into 20 second-chance points, while the U.S. managed just seven. Uruguay also dominated points in the paint, 46-32.
Bottom line
It took 24 years for Uruguay to notch another win over the United States. The Americans still lead the head-to-head series in this tournament, 5-2. Both teams will return to action on Tuesday, August 26, to wrap up the Group Phase. Uruguay will face the Bahamas, while the United States will take on Brazil.
They said
Vescovi credited the win to the cohesion the group has built during preparation and in the early stages of the tournament. “We are a very united team. Everyone contributes in their own way— players, coaches, and the entire staff. Each one gives what they can from their role, and I think it’s showing,” said the University of Tennessee product. “I believe the way we’ve been working is taking us in the right direction. It’s a joy to see things coming together on the court,” added the 23-year-old guard.
FIBA