USA 82, DOM 81
The USA Basketball Men’s World Cup Qualifying Window 3 Team took the court tonight in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the first of two games 2027 FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifying Window 3.
In a thriller that came down to the final possession, the USA (4-1) prevailed, 82-81, over the Dominican Republic (2-3) in front of a sold-out crowd at newly renovated Palacio de los Deportes. The U.S. avenged a prior 79-87 loss to Dominican Republic in Window 2.
The U.S. will be back in action on Monday, taking on Mexico in Zacatecas City at 10 p.m. ET on Courtside 1891.
View the USA-Dominican Republic box score here.
POSTGAME NOTES
You Belong with Me: The game saw several players make their USA Basketball debuts tonight. Mike James and Gabe York started the contest with Jacob Gilyard, Orlando Robinson and Jarrod Uthoff coming off the bench. The rest of the USA roster had previous USA Qualifying experience with Torrey Craig and Terry Taylor returning to the U.S. ranks after recently competing with the team in earlier 2027 windows.
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?: The Americans swung the game over a stretch starting the final 2:36 of the first half and through the first 3:41 of the third quarter. The U.S. found themselves trailing 45-32 late in the second quarter before a rally to cut the Dominican advantage 46-40 into intermission. Behind timely offensive and staunch defense, a York 3-pointer put the USA ahead 51-50 minutes into the third quarter. In total, the 19-5 spurt reversed momentum until the final buzzer.
Enchanted: The Dominican Republic had a 5-point lead (79-74) with 1:26 remaining in the game. Free throws from James, a 3-pointer from Jay Huff and a corner 3 via Craig with :23 on the clock stunned the capacity crowd as the Americans held onto an 82-81 lead. The Dominicans had two opportunities to retake the lead but the U.S. defense thwarted any late heroics.
Big Star: James, his first time in red, white and blue, recorded a double-double tonight with 15 points and 12 assists. His 12 dimes match Brandon Knight’s dozen (12/1/25 vs. NCA), the most by U.S. players in Men’s World Cup Qualifying. James joined Taylor (14 points, 6 rebounds), York (13 points, 4 rebounds), Craig (12 points, 10 rebounds), Huff (12 points, 3 blocks) and Robinson (10 points, 4 rebounds) as the USA players to score double figures.
August: Following this Window’s games, teams will re-seed before Window 4 set for Aug. 27-31. The U.S. are in Group A and will crossover with Group C, with the top three teams from each of the four Americas pools advancing to the second round (Windows 4-6). Under the current qualifying format, which dates back to the 2019 World Cup, the USA have compiled a 23-6 record and has finished atop their respective group in both 2019 and 2023. The USA are winners of two of the last four FIBA World Cups (2010, 2014).
What's Next
FIBA Men's World Cup Qualifying | USA vs. MEX |
July 6, 2026 at 10 p.m. ET | More Info
July 6, 2026 at 10 p.m. ET | More Info
A game recap will be published on usab.com.
Important Links: USA Basketball Media Information | USA Basketball Photo Portal