SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - Team USA (men) and Canada (women) topped their pools, going perfect on Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 on December 13.
TEAMS
USA (men)
It was a hot start for team USA as they tipped off their AmeriCup campaign with a bang.
They started out with a 21 - 7 drubbing against Uruguay. The high-flying James Parrott and sharpshooting Dylan Travis put up 8 each in the result.
They faced Mexico next and the same result followed. The flowing offense for the Americans proved to be the difference as Mitch Hahn and Henry Caruso led on the scoring charts this time. A 20 - 13 win over Mexico would put them on top spot in Pool A as they would head into the Quarter-finals with momentum.
CANADA (men)
The Canadian men handled business as well, going 2 - 0 to finish top of their pool.
It was a 19 - 14 win over Jamaica to start where Steve Sir put up a team-high 10 points.
Jerome Desrosiers caught fire in their next game against Argentina where he scored 9 to lead them to a 21 - 11 victory:
CANADA (women)
The Canadian powerhouse was in full effect in pool play as the women punched their ticket to the knockout rounds decisively. They picked up a gritty 20 - 15 win over Jamaica, a physical battle that saw Katherine Plouffe and Paige Crozon combine for 15 points. Both were huge on the boards as well in the winning effort.
They dominated against Mexico to close off pool play with a 21 - 6 victory. Paige Crozon caught fire in the tie with a big 11-point game.
Canada are looking strong heading into QF action.
PUERTO RICO (women)
The home side were put to the test in pool play, having two closely-fought battles on the day, but Puerto Rico came out on top.
They got a 15 - 10 win over Cuba in their opener in what was a tandem scoring effort with 3 players putting up 5 points each.
They faced off against Argentina in a thrilling contest. The game would go to OT where Puerto Rico would seal the game thanks to Tayra Melendez.
With the crowd on their side, watch out for Puerto Rico in the Quarter-finals.
PLAYERS
MEN’S
CHARLY ZESATI (Mexico)
Mexico started off their pool play campaign with high pressure, knowing they take on a strong team USA in their second and final pool game. They would need a win over Uruguay in their opener and they did so thanks to a stellar offensive night from Charly Zesati. He recorded 12 points and 5 rebounds in a crucial tie against Uruguay.
The result would be enough to book them a knockout stage berth and the heroics of Zesati paid dividends.
WOMEN’S
PAIGE CROZON (Canada)
The Canadian sharpshooter, who has been sensational this season, started off her AmeriCup campaign on fire.
She was crucial in Canada’s opener win over Jamaica as her 7 points and 9 rebounds proved to be key. She went off in their second game against Mexico with an 11-point flourish, marking 5 2-pointers in the process.
Crozon is firing on all cylinders and showecased her form in pool play.
DAY 3
The second half of pool play goes down tomorrow as we cement our knockout round matchups. Tune in LIVE to catch the action.