The dream of Nicaragua is nearly a reality for USA Basketball. In a pivotal AmeriCup qualifying clash, the Stars and Stripes shined bright, downing a feisty Bahamas squad 97-74 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. The convincing victory propelled Team USA to a 3-1 record in the qualifying tournament, putting them on the precipice of punching their ticket to the 2025 AmeriCup.
Offensive Outburst Fuels USA’s Triumph
Led by the dynamic duo of Javonte Smart and Jahmi’us Ramsey, who poured in 21 and 19 points respectively, the U.S. controlled the tempo from the opening tip. Smart’s sizzling shooting and Ramsey’s relentless attacks kept the Bahamian defense on their heels all night long.
“Those two young guys really set the tone for us,” praised head coach Joe Smith after the game. “When they’re aggressive and confident like that, it opens up so much for the rest of the team.”
Depth On Display
While Smart and Ramsey stole the headlines, it was a true team effort that carried the Americans to victory. Frank Kaminsky III stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Floor general David Stockton orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 6 assists to go along with his 14 points.
“We’ve got so many weapons on this team,” Stockton remarked postgame. “My job is easy when I’m surrounded by this much talent. I just have to get the ball to the right guys and let them go to work.”
Long-Range Barrage Buries Bahamas
Perhaps the most glaring disparity in the box score was the three-point shooting. Team USA scorched the nets from deep, outscoring their opponents 45-21 from beyond the arc. The Bahamas simply had no answer for the Americans’ perimeter prowess.
“We knew they were going to pack the paint and try to take away our size advantage,” explained Coach Smith. “So we emphasized attacking in transition and kicking out for open threes. The guys executed that gameplan to perfection.”
One Win Away
With the resounding victory, USA Basketball now sits just one win away from clinching their spot in the 2025 AmeriCup. The team will have two more opportunities to seal the deal in the February qualifying window.
“This was a huge step in the right direction, but the job’s not finished,” asserted a determined Kaminsky. “We’ve got to stay locked in and focused. Nicaragua is the goal, and we won’t be satisfied until we’re holding that AmeriCup trophy next summer.”
If they can maintain this blistering form, it’s hard to imagine any FIBA Americas foe standing in the way of USA Basketball’s Nicaragua ambitions. The hoops world has been put on notice – the AmeriCup is America’s to lose.
