MIAMI (USA) – Group B of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers is set for one of the most thrilling finishes in the third and final window, taking place from February 20 to 24. With Nicaragua already qualified as the tournament host and Canada (4-0) undefeated and just one win away from securing their spot, it appears that the Dominican Republic (2-2) and Mexico (2-2) will battle for the last available berth in the group. The Dominicans secured the head-to-head tiebreaker over Mexico due to point differential (+7), after splitting their two matchups, which puts them in a favorable position in case of a two-way tie. However, a three-way tie involving Canada is still a possibility, which could open the door for Mexico depending on the results. The silver lining for both the Dominican Republic and Mexico is that they will play their final two games at home, which increases their chances of securing a positive result against the Canadians.
Thriving Under Pressure
Gabriel Girón Jr., one of the most experienced players on the Mexican squad, acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains confident in his teammates and the coaching staff led by Omar Quintero.
When we play under pressure, I think we bring out our best level," said Girón.
"For this window, we will have players like Paco Cruz and Karim López, who is having a great season in Australia. Gael Bonilla will also be there. We’re not sure yet if Joshua Ibarra will play—he’s our dominant big man—but this team has built strong chemistry over the past few years and has already proven it can respond in difficult situations."
The veteran forward, who is currently competing in the BCL Americas with Nicaraguan club Real Estelí, believes that home-court advantage could be a key factor. "We have what it takes to win these games. Of course, we also need to keep an eye on the result between Canada and the Dominican Republic, but Canada has only played one game on the road. I think playing in Mexico, with our fans, in a brand-new arena in San Luis that we’ll practically be inaugurating, can give us that extra boost to have big performances," added the 36-year-old, who is averaging 16.5 points per game in these Qualifiers.
Ready for the Challenge
While Mexico will host Nicaragua and Canada at the Auditorio Miguel Barragán in San Luis Potosí, the Dominican Republic will face the same opponents at the Pabellón Ricardo Gioriber Arias in Santo Domingo.
"It will be a tough challenge at home," said Dominican center Eloy Vargas. "If there are no surprises, beating Nicaragua should give us a good chance since we already have the tiebreaker over Mexico, but we have to focus on both games to be in a more comfortable position. We approach every game with great seriousness. We will stick to our style and follow our coach’s game plan. Each of us has to give our best effort," added the big man, who plays for Paisas in the BCL Americas.
Vargas has played in multiple matchups between the Dominican Republic and Canada, with both teams facing off in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and AmeriCup Qualifiers. While Canada has had the upper hand historically, the Dominicans know what it takes to defeat them.
They always bring a high-level team, but they also know we have the talent to compete. We continue to trust in our work and are focused on our goal," concluded the 2.11-meter center.
In this decisive window for Group B, the equation is simple: Mexico must defeat Canada to stay alive—anything less means elimination. The Dominican Republic also needs a win against Canada to avoid relying on other results on the final day. FIBA