NASSAU (Bahamas) – The Bahamas national basketball team had no choice but to secure a victory, and they did so convincingly, defeating Cuba 97-74 in the opening game of the third window of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers. With this win, they kept their hopes alive heading into the final game of the round.
Turning point
Bahamas stayed focused from the very beginning of the game at the Sir Kendall Isaacs Gymnasium in Nassau. With the support of their home crowd, they went on a 15-0 run between the first and second quarters, taking control of the game. By halftime, they had a 17-point lead (51-34), which they further extended to 23 points in the second half. This allowed them to win by a +9 margin in the head-to-head against Cuba and positioned them well in the Group D standings.
Player of the game
Tavario Miller was the standout performer for Bahamas, leading the team offensively throughout the game. He finished with 26 points, shooting an impressive 80% from the field, and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Domnik Bridgewater (16 points) and Samuel Hunter (14 points) were also crucial contributors for the hosts, with each making 3 of the team’s 11 three-pointers, which were key to their goal of winning by more than 14 points. Jasiel Rivero (15 points, 4 rebounds) and Pedro Bombino (13 points, 8 rebounds) led the way for Cuba.
Stats don’t lie
A significant factor in Bahamas’ victory was their dominance on the boards, especially on the glass, where they grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, resulting in 19 second-chance points that helped keep them in control of the game.
Bahamas also had greater depth, with their bench contributing 35 points despite not starting. In comparison, Cuba only had 9 players available.
Bottom line
Bahamas’ victory, along with the United States’ win over Puerto Rico, has left Group D in a three-way tie, with the USA (4-1) qualified and Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Cuba all tied at 2-3. In the final round of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, Bahamas will face the United States at home, while Puerto Rico will host Cuba.
FIBA