LEÓN (Mexico) - The United States (Men) and Paraguay (women) emerged out of pool action unbeaten on Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup on November 28.
TEAMS
THE UNITED STATES (Men)
The reigning 3x3 AmeriCup champs came into pool play with high expectations, and took no time to deliver on the hype.
They swept past Cayman Islands 21 - 4 in their opener, with their new enforcer Cameron Forte and Mitch Hahn leading the way with a combined 16 points. They faced a gritty Mexico side on home turf that gave them trouble early on, but it was only a matter of time before the Americans would assume control and come away with a 21 - 12 victory.
It was a Champion’s display on Day 2 for team USA as they have their sights set on going back-to-back.
PARAGUAY (women)
Paraguay made a statement on Day 2.
Having earned their place into pool phase through QD action on Day 1, they were battle-tested and played as such. They clamped down Argentina in their opener, coming away with a 15 - 7 victory off the back off a defensive masterclass.
They continued to boast their physical side in their next game against Chile, holding them to just 10 points in a 19 - 10 winning effort. Paola Ferrari was the undeniable force behind their successful run on the day, putting up team-high numbers against Argentina before following it up with a 9 point/10 rebound game against Chile.
Paraguay look primed for a deep run into the knockout stages after a stellar first two days of action.
PLAYERS
JEROME DESROSIERS (Canada)
Canada’s perfect pool run came off the back of a stellar all-round display from Jerome Desrosiers.
He put up 8 points/6 rebounds in a tough opening game against Trinidad and Tobago. His presence on the boards and rim-attacking paved the way for the win.
In their second pool game against Argentina, he put up 5 points and 8 rebounds, another crucial display on both ends of the game to set Canada up for a 2-0 run on Day 2.
SHAKIRA AUSTIN (USA)
Shakira Austin started her 3x3 AmeriCup debut run on fire, leading the charge for Team USA in their perfect run in pool phase.
She made her presence felt in the paint in their opener, putting up a whopping 10 points in a win over Brazil. She followed it up with a 6 point/6 rebound game against Jamaica to seal off an impressive pool performance.
Team USA have their go-to force heading into the knockout rounds, and her name is Shakira Austin.
DAY 3
We are halfway through pool phase as we cement all spots for the knockout stages on Day 3. Tune in LIVE to the action through the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel.