NASSAU (Bahamas) – United States took care of business on the road, defeating Bahamas 105-83 Sunday night at Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium in Nassau. The Americans led in all but 49 seconds of the first quarter in an impressive performance on both ends of the floor.
Turning point
After a back-and-forth affair throughout the first quarter, a pair of runs in the second period allowed USA to take control of the action. With Bahamas getting back to within a point at 28-27, Stephen Silas’ guys answered with an 8-0 run to get some distance. Minutes later, another 7-0 stretch pushed the lead to double digits at 45-33. Bahamas never got within fewer than 11 points the rest of the way.
Player of the game
In what was an excellent team performance, Nassir Little (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Javonte Smart (16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists) led the way for winning squad.
Ron Baker added 11 points and a shocking 7 blocks for a team-high 25 efficiency rating, while Jaylen Nowell (15 points) and Jahmius Ramsey (11) also scored in double digits. Dominic Bridgewater (19 points on 8-for-19 from the field), Franco Miller (18 points and 4 assists) and Lathaniel Bastian (10 points and 9 rebounds) had solid showings for Bahamas.
Stats don’t lie
USA shot 52.6 from the field and a perfect 13-for-13 at the free throw line to keep Bahamas at bay throughout the contest. The defense showed up as well, holding the islanders to 38.3 percent from the field and grabbing 35 defensive rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities. The 58-44 advantage in the paint was another strength on a night where they made 31 of 46 attempts inside the arc.
Bottom line
With the win, USA (5-1) finished atop Group D and qualified for the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup. Their only loss happened in Cuba in February of 2024. Due to Cuba being disqualified (after forfeiting their game against Puerto Rico), both Bahamas and Puerto Rico also punched their tickets to the continental tournament.
FIBA