By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Xavier Munford scored a game-high 24 points as the USA dominated Cuba, 87-64, Monday. The team coached by Jim Boylen wrapped up Group D with a 5-1 W-L tally and carrying it in Group F formed a tie on top of the new group with Brazil. The final round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers beings in late August with Team USA taking on Uruguay and Colombia in the upcoming international window.
Apart from the game played in Cuba, Canada rocked the Virgin Islands, 113-67, at Charlotte Amalie to improve to 6-0. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kassius Robertson led the way with 24 points apiece.
In San Juan, Puerto Rico outlasted Mexico, 97-87, in overtime. New Orleans Pelicans player Jose Alvarado starred packing 22 points, including a clutch three-pointer late in regulation. For the visitors, Daniel Amigo had 20 points.
Veteran guard Victor Liz put up 26 points powering the Dominican Republic to the win, 88-80, versus the Bahamas.
Here are the new groups of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers:
Group E
1. Canada 12 (6-0)
2. Venezuela 11 (5-1)
3. Argentina 11 (5-1)
4. Dominican Republic 10 (4-2)
5. Panama 8 (2-4)
6. Bahamas 8 (2-4)
Group F
1. Brazil 11 (5-1)
2. USA 11 (5-1)
3. Uruguay 10 (4-2)
4. Mexico 10 (4-2)
5. Puerto Rico 9 (3-3)
6. Colombia 8 (2-4)
The top three teams of each group and the best fourth-placed team will clinch a berth in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL