WASHINGTON (United States) – The United States offense exploded for 15 three-pointers on their way to a comfortable 97-74 victory over Bahamas Monday night at Entertainment and Sports Arena. The Americans had 9 different players with at least one make from downtown in another excellent offensive performance.
Turning point
While USA led wire-to-wire, Bahamas cut their lead to 7 points early in the third quarter on a three-pointer from Godfrey Rolle III. But the reaction was furious, as Stephen Silas’ guys embarked on a 25-4 run that lasted through early in the fourth and brought the score back to 81-53 – essentially sealing the deal.
Player of the game
The home team got contributions from up and down its roster. Jahmius Ramsey shot 4-for-5 from long distance and finished with 19 points, while Javonte Smart had 21 points on 8-for-12 from the field. David Stockton added 14 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Frank Kaminsky III finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.
Tavario Miller produced a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double for Bahamas. Samuel Hunter (14), Eron Gordon (12) and Rolle III (10) also scored in double digits.
Stats don’t lie
USA shot 15-for-36 (41.7 percent) from beyond the arc and had 25 assists on their 37 made field goals. They were also active on the passive lanes, finishing with 8 steals and a 21-8 edge in points off turnovers. And on the other end of the floor, the defense held Bahamas to just 39.4 percent from the field and only 33 points in the second half.
Bottom line
With the win, USA now sits alone Group D with a 3-1 record. They’ll now travel to Puerto Rico and Bahamas in February looking for one more win that will secure their place in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup. Conversely, Bahamas is now 1-3 and will likely need to beat both Cuba and USA in Window 3 to have a shot at qualifying.
FIBA