USA Men go 2-0 in 3x3 AmeriCup Pool Play; Advance to Quarterfinals
The USA tipped off competition at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 Men's AmeriCup in Miami by going 2-0 in Pool A and registering wins over Guatemala and Brazil. With the wins, the American men will join the women in Sunday's knockout stages, which will start with a quarterfinal matchup against Mexico 11:35 a.m. ET on the plaza outside FTX Arena.
In their opening 22-6 win over Guatemala, the U.S. used balance scoring and strong defense to end the game with 2:22 of gametime remaining. The U.S. hit an even 50% of its shot attempts (3-6 1PT, 8-16 2PT) and added three free throws, while holding the opposition to six 1-pointers and just one attempt from behind the arc.
The USA, which won the inaugural 3x3 AmeriCup title last year, was led by Canyon Barry, who had seven points (2-3 1PT, 2-4 2PT, 1-1 FT). Former NBA lottery pick and 3x3 newcomer Jimmer Fredette hit three of his squad's eight 2-pointers. Kareem Maddox added five points and a game-best five rebounds. Dylan Travis, also in his USA national team debut, rounded out the stat line with four points, four rebounds, one key assist and the team's only block.
The U.S. returned to the halfcourt for the second pool game vs. Brazil, the 2021 3x3 AmeriCup runner-up, and earned a tightly contested 19-15 win. Though the U.S. took the lead for good on a Fredette 2-pointer at the 6:51 mark, Brazil kept the game close and got to within one, 15-14, with 1:02 to play.
Fredette and Barry picked up where they left off, each contributing seven points apiece. Fredette added three more 2-pointers, while Barry had five 1-pointers and a pair of free throws. Maddox matched his stat line with five points and five rebounds. Travis dished three key assists and came away with two boards.
The 3x3 AmeriCup continues Sunday morning. The women start the day with a quarterfinal tilt Sunday vs. Chile at 10:45 a.m. ET. For the full schedule, click here. Games are streaming live on www.youtube.com/FIBA3x3.
The FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup features 31 teams, 18 men's and 13 women's. The top two teams in each pool will qualify to a direct elimination bracket, starting with the quarterfinals. For more information, click here
