USA takes first quarter to find its rhythm, then overwhelms Chile

    Game Report

    USA had a slow start but used an 18-0 run between the first and second quarters to take full control and dominate the host nation.

    SANTIAGO (Chile) – The United States took a while to get going, but once the team did, there was no turning back. The Americans cruised past host nation Chile with a resounding 108-47 win in the final game of the opening day at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025, held at the Centro de Deportes Colectivos in the Chilean capital.

    Turning point

    Chile went toe-to-toe with the U.S. for nearly nine minutes, with the score tied at 14. Then, Olivia Miles checked in for USA and brought instant flow to the offense. From the end of the first quarter until the 5:23 mark of the second, the Americans imposed their physicality in the paint and went on an 18-0 run to take a commanding 32-14 lead. The second quarter ended with a 27-9 advantage for the U.S., who went into halftime up 46-23. Its dominance only grew stronger, as it held Chile to just two points in the final frame (29-2).

    Player of the game

    USA had five players in double figures, but center Raegan Beers made the biggest impact off the bench with 22 points (9-of-12 from the field), along with 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block.

    Power forward Joyce Edwards followed with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Mikayla Blakes (15), Hannah Hidalgo (14), and Gianna Kneepkens (12) also scored in double digits. For Chile, only Valentina Ojeda reached double figures with 11 points, while Damaris Alarcón added 7.

    Stats don’t lie

    The U.S. dominated every facet of the game, but its transition offense was particularly deadly, scoring 33 fast-break points compared to Chile’s 10. The team also scored 66 points in the paint, while the hosts managed just 16. Chile made only 8 two-point field goals throughout the game, tying its lowest mark in AmeriCup history (previously set against Canada in 2013).

    Bottom line

    The United States has now won its opening game in all eight of its Women’s AmeriCup appearances. With this win, the USA sits atop Group B alongside Puerto Rico, which also picked up a victory on Saturday. On Sunday, the Americans will face Colombia, while Chile takes on Mexico.

    They said

    Point guard Hannah Hidalgo, following her standout NCAA season at Notre Dame, is one of the leaders on the team. She expressed her excitement about playing in another international tournament after previously representing her country at the youth level. “It's a whole new team, so I am just super excited to grow with my teammates. We just put the team together like a week ago, along with a new coaching staff,” said Hidalgo, who averaged 23.8 points and 3.7 steals in just her second collegiate season. “Oh and of course, winning and expanding my game because foreign games are a little different than playing in the States. I am excited for the growth and building my game.”

    Hannah Hidalgo

    Valentina Ojeda, Chile’s leading scorer in the game, remained upbeat despite the loss and reflected on her team’s solid start. “My team— we never back down, we will fight until the last second. That’s who we are, and that is our identity. We are fighters and warriors, so we keep going.”

    FIBA

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