USA Moves to 2-1 at Women's AmeriCup, Falls to Brazil 54-67

04 July 2023

USA 54, BRA 67

Happy Fourth of July from Mexico.

The United States continued Group A competition at the 2023 FIBA Women's AmeriCup, falling 67-54 to Brazil Tuesday afternoon in Leon, Mexico.

The U.S. will be back in action Wednesday vs. Cuba for the conclusion of Group play of theat 2:10 p.m. ET on Courtside 1891 (USA games stream free to subscribers in the U.S.).

Since the event’s inception in 1989, the United States has captured four Women’s AmeriCup gold medals, including titles in 2019 and 2021.

View the USA-Brazil box score here.

TEAM NOTES

Historically Speaking: The meeting was the eighth between the USA and Brazil. Brazil owns a 5-3 series edge. The USA is 32-8 overall in the Women’s AmeriCup.

American Girls: For the third-straight game, the USA employed a new starting lineup. Tuesday’s lineup included Lauren Betts, Rickea Jackson, Raven Johnson, Charisma Osborne and Angel Reese. Jackson, Osborne and Reese have started all three games.

Recapping: Brazil led 15-12 after the first frame before taking control of the contest in the second quarter, building a 30-16 lead over USA with 3:37 to play in the half. Brazil maintained a double-digit lead for most of the rest of the game. The U.S. got to within five, 34-39, midway through the third period before Brazil distanced themselves once again and rebuilt a double-digit 46-36 lead with under 2:00 to play in the quarter.

Shot Chart: The USA shot 30.8% (16-52 FG, 2-15 3FG) from the field, while Brazil shot 36.1% (22-61 FG, 5-21 3FG).

PLAYER NOTES

Firework: Betts provided a spark on both ends of the floor as she recorded her second consecutive double-double. She finished the game with a team-best 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-3 FT), team-high 15 rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Hers is the second 15-rebound performance for the USA this week (also Reese vs. ARG, 7/2/23) and ties the second-most in USA AmeriCup history. Betts recorded 10 first half rebounds, surpassing her two-game average of 9.0 rebounds.

Block Party: Additionally, Betts blocked three shots in the first half, tying the USA’s single-game mark (Aliyah Boston, 3, vs. PUR, 6/13/21).

Red, White & Rickea: As she did in the first two games, Jackson continued to help pace the United States’ offense with 10 points (3-8 FG, 4-6 FT). She’s scored in double-figures in each outing and is averaging a team-best 12.7 points in the competition.