MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Canada stands alone at the top of Group B as it won its third straight game of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025, defeating Puerto Rico 82-73 at the Alexis Arguello Sports Complex in Managua, Nicaragua.
It was the eighth win for Canada in 20 matchups against Puerto Rico, with Canada winning the last two meetings between the teams.
Turning point
The teams were evenly matched through the first half, as Canada led by just two points after the second quarter. The teams were sharing rebounds and assists at the same pace. Puerto Rico even cut the lead to one to end the third quarter, making Canada sweat.
However, the Canadians were able to hit three 3-pointers early in the fourth, with two coming from Marcus Carr. They were able to find a lead before Kyshawn George, Trae Bell-Haynes, and Leonard Miller took Canada on a run, giving them an 8-point lead, which they used to ride to victory.
TCL player of the game
George led Canada with 17 points on 50 percent shooting, also adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Mfiondu Kabengele recorded a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, marking his first for Canada in just his third game in the AmeriCup. Bell-Haynes added 11 points while Carr added another 10.
For Puerto Rico, Jose Alvarado went off as he poured in 20 points, going 8-of-16 from the floor, while also grabbing 5 rebounds. Gian Clavell added 19 points and 7 assists in the loss.
Stats don’t lie
While the teams were evenly matched in most categories, the areas where Canada excelled the most were points in the paint. The team scored 42 points down low, and put up 28 points from the bench to Puerto Rico’s 19.
Puerto Rico may not have won, but it tallied an impressive stat of its own, as the team played an almost flawless game, turning the ball over only 6 times, their lowest amount in an AmeriCup.
Bottom line
Canada and Puerto Rico were the two heavyweights of Group B, and their matchup delivered as the two teams went back and forth until the final minute of action.
While Canada finishes the Group Phase unbeaten, both teams have qualified for the quarter-finals and are still alive in their quest to be AmeriCup 2025 champions.
They said
“Puerto Rico’s a tough physical team, experienced team, really pushed our young group to really grow up today, and I really appreciate how hard they play,” said Canada head coach Nate Mitchell on playing Puerto Rico.
FIBA