By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Mexico took down Team USA, 97-88, wrapping up the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers window Monday evening.
Former Western Kentucky standout, Orlando Mendez-Valdez connected 7/11 three-pointers en route for a game-high 27 points to go along with six assists and three steals. Gabriel Giron finished with 19 points and nine assists, Paul Stoll with 18 points and 11 assists, and Daniel Amigo with 18 points.
After revealing playing overseas as an option, Isaiah Thomas posted a 21-point, 10-assist double-double in the losing effort for the team coached by Jim Boylen. B.J. Johnson followed with 15 points.
“It’s very disappointing,” admitted Boylen, “We had a great group of guys. We practiced hard. We had all high-character guys and it hurts. It hurts to lose.”
Despite the loss at Chihuahua, the United States are not in real trouble as three out of the four teams will advance to the next round. From there, the seven Americas tickets for the 2023 World Cup will be determined on a fresh new double-legged round-robin format with the 12 surviving national teams split into two groups.
Mexico improved to 2-0 taking charge of Group D. Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and Venezuela also went undefeated through the FIBA window.
FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers standings:
Group A
1. Argentina 4 (2-0)
2. Venezuela 4 (2-0)
3. Panama 2 (0-2)
4. Paraguay 2 (0-2)
Group B
1. Brazil 4 (2-0)
2. Uruguay 4 (2-0)
3. Colombia 2 (0-2)
4. Chile 2 (0-2)
Group C
1. Canada 4 (2-0)
2. Dominican Republic 4 (2-0)
3. Virgin Islands 2 (0-2)
4. Bahamas 2 (0-2)
Group D
1. Mexico 4 (2-0)
2. Puerto Rico 3 (1-1)
3. USA 3 (1-1)
4. Cuba 2 (0-2)
-Top three teams of each group advance to the next round
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL