By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
In a game decided by one point, the USA beat the Dominican Republic 82-81 for the FIBA World Cup, with Mike James making a strong debut.
The EuroLeague All-Time top scorer was sizzling with 15 points and 13 assists, stealing the show, while Real Madrid’s Andres Feliz had 24 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
EuroLeague standout Jean Montero added nine points on 4/16 FG on a cold night for him.
In the other big game of the night, Canada destroyed Puerto Rico by 26 points (110-84) as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stole the show with 26 points.
FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers
Standings
Group A
1. x-United States 9 (3-1)
2. x-Dominican Republic 8 (3-1)
3. Mexico 8 (3-2)
4. Nicaragua 5 (0-5)
Group B
1. x-Canada 10 (5-0)
2. Bahamas 7 (2-3)
3. Jamaica 7 (2-3)
4. Puerto Rico 6 (1-4)
Group C
1. x-Brazil 8 (4-0)
2. Colombia 5 (2-1)
3. Venezuela 4 (1-2)
4. Chile 4 (0-4)
Group D
1. x-Uruguay 9 (4-1)
2. x-Argentina 9 (4-1)
3. x-Panama 7 (2-3)
4. o-Cuba 5 (0-5)
x-clinched second-round berth
o-eliminated
-Top 3 teams from each group advance to the Second Round of the Qualifiers
Make