Like France for Eurobasket 2025, the United States began their qualifying campaign for Americup 2025, and last night, they lost to Cuba. Winners on Friday of this same team, Jerome Allen's players lost 81-67 in Havana, and it is a historic defeat! The Cubans have never beaten the United States in their history within the framework of Americup.
Ranked 70th in the FIBA ranking, Cuba took Team USA by the throat from the start, to the point of leading by 16 points in the first quarter. In a hot atmosphere, amplified by the start of a fight between Elfrid Payton and Marlon Diaz before half-time, Pedro Bombino and his teammates dominated under the boards, but also in the address from afar. The United States will wait until the 4th quarter to score their first 3-pointer of the match!
“We really have to congratulate Cuba” reacted Jerome Allenwho replaces Dave Joerger at the head of this selection composed mainly of G-League players. “They started the game with great intensity, and that allowed them to disrupt our attack all evening. They played with determination and passion. »
Winner 100-79 of the “first leg” in Florida, the Americans still won the “point-average” in the event of a tie at the end of this qualifying phase. The next window is scheduled for November with matches against Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. The mission is to finish in the top three of the group to qualify for Americup, scheduled for August 2025.
In the American ranks, there are former NBA players. In addition to Elfrid Payton, sent off in the first half, we meet Jordan Bell, Deonte Burton and even Stanley Johnson.
