USA Tops Puerto Rico 72-71 to Qualify for 2025 FIBA Men's AmeriCup

21 February 2025

USA 72, PUR 71

View the USA-Puerto Rico box score here.

The USA (4-1) opened the third window of 2025 FIBA Men’s AmeriCup Qualifying with a 72-71 victory over Puerto Rico (2-3) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. With the win, the Americans clinched a spot in the 2025 FIBA Men’s AmeriCup in Managua, Nicaragua, which will be held in August.

Following the victory, the USA moved to 4-0 against Puerto Rico and 10-1 all time in FIBA Men’s AmeriCup Qualifying play.

The USA will finish out the 2025 FIBA Men’s AmeriCup Qualifiers on Sunday, Feb. 23 in Nassau against the Bahamas (1-3) at 7:10 p.m. ET.

Postgame Notes

Starting Out: The USA started the game with Norris Cole, Nassir Little, Jahmi’us Ramsey, Javonte Smart and Malik Williams. It was Ramsey and Smart’s third start of the 2025 AmeriCup Qualifiers. Little made his USA Basketball debut.

More Debuts: Tonight’s win also marked USA Basketball debuts for Jalen Crutcher, Miller Kopp and Ruben Nembhard Jr. All 12 players saw action for the USA in the victory.

Book Smart: Smart led the USA with 16 points to go along with 4 rebounds and 2 assists. It marked his third-straight game scoring at least 15 points in the AmeriCup Qualifiers.

Now Boarding: Williams and Rob Baker II led the U.S. on the boards with 7 rebounds apiece. Little also pulled down 6 rebounds (3 offensive).

Team Effort: All 12 players scored in the contest for the USA, with Smart and Ramsey (11 points) both reaching double figures to lead the way.

Forcing the Issue: The USA won the turnover battle 16-11, scoring 14 points off of Puerto Rico’s turnovers. Baker II, Reggie Perry, Ramsey and Williams each recorded 1 steal in the contest.

Qualified!: With the win, USA Basketball punched its ticket to the 2025 FIBA Men’s AmeriCup in Managua, Nicaragua in August, where they will look to secure their eighth gold medal in the event. The red, white and blue earned a bronze medal in the most recent FIBA Men’s AmeriCup in 2022 in Recife, Brazil.