SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - Puerto Rico (men) and Team USA (women) showcased reigning champ status as they went unbeaten on Day 3 of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 on December 14.
TEAMS
Puerto Rico (men)
The home side aimed to make a statement in pool play, and with a tall order of competition, they did just that.
They started out with a 19 - 13 result over Haiti. Angel Matias was relentless for the Puerto Ricans as his 11 points led the way for a strong win.
They faced Republica Dominicana in the closer, a Caribbean Derby with quite the history and anticipation going into the battle. It was a close game but Puerto Rico just pulled away near the end. Antonio Ralat and Matias both put up 6 each in a 21 - 14 statement victory over their rivals.
The team is primed to repeat from last season with momentum fully in their favor.
Chile (men) also went 2-0 on the day, taking down Colombia 15 - 13 before defeating contending Brazil 18 - 15, coming through in the clutch with big shots to seal a promising day for the side.
USA (women)
Team USA boasted a star-studded lineup, and they delivered in pool play.
It was a nervy start as they went toe-to-toe against Dominican Republic. The Americans made their presence early on the interior before finding their rhythm from deep. Abigail Tsu opened the spacing for the team while Brittney Sykes and Azura Stevens controlled the offensive flow. It was Maddy Siegrist however, who showcased hustle and bucket-getting. Her 10-points and second-chance scoring made her the difference-maker. USA would earn themselves a 21 - 14 win.
It was a collective scoring frenzy in their dominant win against Uruguay with Stevens and Siegrist both getting 6 points each. They would come away with a 21 - 4 thumping to close out pool play with a perfect record and strong momentum to repeat their heroics from last season.
Brazil (women) also finished spotless with a 19 - 11 victory over Colombia followed by a 21 - 9 win over Chile in pool play.
PLAYERS
MEN’S
LEONARDO BRANQUINHO (Brazil)
The Brazilian superstar was a bucket in their opener against Colombia. The side got a 21 - 7 win thanks to a Branquinho outburst of 14 points.
He made 6 twos that would be the difference. The win over Colombia would earn Brazil a spot in the Quarter-finals, and they will need Leo to catch fire yet again.
WOMEN’S
MADDY SIEGRIST (USA)
The WNBA star was the glue for team USA, making herself a versatile asset on both ends of the floor.
In their opener against Dominican Republic, she put up 10 points and 5 rebounds, making clutch plays that kept the American side a step ahead.
She scored a joint team-high 6 points against Uruguay as they would head into the knockout rounds with momentum thanks to a stellar display from Siegrist.
DAY 3
We wrap up a thrilling tournament and a historic 3x3 season tomorrow as we crown our AmeriCup 2024 winners. Tune in LIVE to catch the action.