MIAMI (Estados Unidos) – Joao “Maozinha” Pereira Cardoso had one of the most spectacular performances in recent memory. During the second day of Window 2 of the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers, the power forward showed extreme efficiency – finishing with a perfect game that featured no misses or turnovers, in Brazil’s 93-67 over Panama that punched their ticket to next year’s tournament. “Maozinha” had the highest efficiency rating of the slate (36), thanks to going 7-for-7 from the field, including 2-for-2 on three pointers and 2-for-2 at the free throw line. He finished with 18 points in just 19:36 of action. The 24-year-old, currently playing in the NBA G League with Memphis Grizzlies’ affiliate, also grabbed 13 rebounds, dished 2 assists and collected 2 steals and a block.
Josmel Martínez of Nicaragua also shined despite his country losing 89-73 to Dominican Republic. The small forward had a 29-efficency after scoring 21 points (10-for-14 from the field) with 9 rebounds, 3 steals and a block. Point guard Luciano Parodi was one of the main reasons why Uruguay qualified for the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup after their 86-69 victory over Paraguay. The 30-year-old went off for 22 points (including 3 three-pointers), 7 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal for an efficiency rating of 26. Another lead guard, Trae Bell-Haynes, carried Canada on his shoulders in their 83-73 win over Mexico. The 29-year-old, currently playing for Zaragoza in Spain, led the way with 20 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. He finished with an efficiency of 25. Argentinian forward Patricio Garino also had a 25-efficiency after helping his country beat Colombia, 88-68. The Estudiantes (Spain) player took a big step forward after some recent shaky performances, and finished with 17 points (3-for-5 from beyond the arc), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.
FIBA