USA 67, MEX 73
The USA Basketball AmeriCup Team fell to Mexico, 73-67, in their opening game of the 2022 FIBA AmeriCup on Friday at Geraldo Arena in Recife, Brazil. This year is the tournament’s 19th edition and marks the first time since 1984 the event has been held in Brazil.
A slow finish to the third quarter saw the Americans enter the final frame trailing by eight (48-56). While the U.S. made a push in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 58 apiece with six minutes remaining, Mexico pulled away in the end to hand the U.S. their first AmeriCup loss since 2005 (9/4/2005 vs. Venezuela).
The full game box score is available here.
TEAM NOTES
Revered Reserves: The Americans saw their bench contribute 35 points. The Americans outscored Mexico's bench, 35-19. Jeremy Pargo (14) helped lead the charge for the bench scoring output, finishing as the leading scorer for the U.S.
USA Debuts: Eight Americans made their USA debuts tonight against Mexico, including Zylan Cheatham, Gary Clark, Norris Cole, Anthony Lamb, Patrick McCaw, Jodie Meeks, Elijah Pemberton, and Craig Sword.
Free Throws: The U.S. committed 22 fouls in the game which contributed to Mexico outscoring the Americans from the free throw line, 14-9. Mexico ultimately shot 66.7% (14-21) while the Americans converted on 60.0% (9-15) of their free throw attempts.
PLAYER NOTES
Time to Pargo: Pargo helped pace the Americans in scoring, finishing with a team-high 14 points (5-13 FG, 3-6 3FG). In the USA's fourth quarter comeback effort, Pargo contributed seven points. He also led the U.S. with six assists in the contest.
Cole World: Norris Cole joined Pargo as the only Americans to finish in double figures, ending the game with 11 points to go with two rebounds, four assists and two steals in 27 minutes.
What's Next
USA vs. VEN | Sept. 4 @ 12:40 p.m. EDT | Recife, Brazil
A complete game recap will be posted on usabasketball.com