Team USA qualifies for 2025 AmeriCup semifinals

After a chaotic tournament start, Team USA found its rhythm and qualified for the 2025 AmeriCup semifinals by defeating Uruguay 83-70 in the quarterfinals. A successful revenge for the Americans, who had suffered a surprising defeat against this same Uruguayan team in the group stage.

Gradual improvement since tournament start

The American journey in this AmeriCup hasn’t been smooth sailing. In the opening match against the Bahamas, Team USA needed overtime to win 105-93, despite Zachary Auguste’s 28 points. Franco Miller had forced the extra five minutes with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from the corner at the end of regulation time.

Things got even more complicated with a loss to Uruguay in the group stage, before bouncing back against Brazil (90-78). Down 67-64 entering the fourth quarter, the Americans turned things around with a 23-14 run in the final ten minutes, with Javonte Smart already leading the offense (22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists).

Smart and defense make the difference in quarterfinals

Against Uruguay in the quarterfinals, the United States controlled the game better. After a balanced first half where they led thanks to Javonte Smart’s 12 points, the Americans found themselves down seven at halftime due to several costly fouls.

The response came right in the third quarter with a 10-2 opening run, again orchestrated by Smart. The decisive break occurred at the start of the final period with an 11-4 run that gave Langston Galloway and teammates a ten-point lead. « Our second-half defense was excellent and our ability to prevent them from dominating the offensive glass, » emphasized head coach Stephen Silas. « That’s what cost us the victory last time: they beat us 20 to 7 in offensive rebounds. This time, our defense and rebounding control made the difference. »

Smart finished as top scorer with 27 points, supported by Jerian Grant and Zach Auguste (13 points each), while Jack Cooley dominated the paint with 12 rebounds. « We’re obviously very happy to be in the semifinals, » concluded Silas. « Uruguay is a tough opponent, as we saw the last time we played them, but our team is improving with each game. We have a deep roster, and there’s a lot of pride in our locker room. »

In the semifinals, Team USA will face Brazil in a group stage rematch, while the other semifinal will pit Canada against Argentina.