Team USA pulls away in the second half to beat Puerto Rico.
The biggest matchup in Group B at the 2025 FIBA Americup was a game to remember. Puerto Rico came into the matchup with a 1 - 0 record and a day's rest. Team USA played their third game in three days. With the offensive firepower that Puerto Rico has, this may be their toughest battle before bracket play. Puerto Rico got the scoring started when Trinity San Antonio scored a layup. The teams exchanged baskets for the next few minutes. Trinity San Antonio was locked in and would give Puerto Rico a 12 - 9 lead when she scored her eighth point with 5:32 remaining. Team USA would respond with a Joyce Edwards layup at 5:02 remaining that sparked an 11 - 3 run. Flaujae Johnson finished the first quarter scoring with a 3-Ptr with 0:43 remaining. USA held a 20 - 15 lead to close out the first period but Puerto Rico has put them on notice. The second quarter started with Team USA extending their lead by scoring six of the first eight points. Raegan Beers hit two free throws at 7:25 to make the score 26 - 17. Puerto Rico made their move and outscored team USA 14 - 5 over the next three minutes tying the game at 31 points. Guard - Angelica Velez hit two 3-Ptr during this scoring run for Puerto Rico. With 3:59 remaining, this team showed the will to win. Both teams were battling throughout the first half. Arella Guirantes' jumpshot with 1:55 remaining made it a 35 - 34 halftime score with USA in the lead.
Team USA head coach - Kara Lawson must have given an impactful halftime speech because the team came out with a focus like no other. Madison Booker led the way with seven of the 25 points scored in the third quarter. Booker was one of four players knocking down a 3-ptr during this 10 minute period. Team USA would go on to outscore Puerto Rico by a score of 25 - 8 in the third period. Hannah Hidalgo, Gianna Kneepkens and Olivia Miles were the other players that knocked down a 3-ptrs for Team USA. After the end of the third quarter USA held a 60 - 42 lead on the scoreboard and looked to close out the game versus Puerto Rico. The fourth quarter started with India Pagan knocking down a 3-Ptr that would get Puerto Rico on an eight to four run. Arella Guirantes added a 3-Ptr and Mya Hollingshed added a layup with 7:21 remaining in the game making the score 64 - 50. Team USA battled the storm and Guard - Gianna Kneepkens hit back-to-back 3-Ptrs with 2:12 remaining. She was able to put the game out of reach for Puerto Rico at 76 - 57. The final score would be 80 - 62 with Team USA moving to 3 - 0 in Group B and securing the top spot for bracket play. Puerto Rico suffered their first loss of the event but is in good standing to finish in 2nd place in Group B with two more wins. USA has a day off on July first following three straight game days, they will play Mexico on July 2 at 1:10 PM (EST)
Top Players
Gianna Kneepkens - 14/Pts - 3/Reb - (4-3Ptrs)
Hannah Hidalgo - 10/Pts - 3/Reb - 3/Asst - 2/Stl
Joyce Edwards - 9/Pts - 4/Reb - 2/Asst - 4/Stl
Olivia Miles - 9 Pts - 7/Reb - 8/Asst - 1/Stl
Madison Booker - 9 Pts - 5/Asst - 2/Stl - 3/Blk