2017 AmeriCup - The Finals
Four teams battled it out for pan-American supremacy in the final phase of the 2017 AmeriCup, and the games that took place had some familiar sights, as well as some not-so-familiar ones.
In the first semi final, Virgin Islands did well to find gaps in USA's defence, but the Americans' forwards were supreme from short range, with a third of their points coming from the paint. Led by Xavier Munford, who had a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, USA overwhelmed Virgin Islands to seal their spot in the final.
The second semi final between Argentina and Mexico began with a very tight first quarter, after which Argentina opened up a narrow margin. Both teams did well with the same moves and from the same spots on the floor, and it wouldn't be until the third quarter when Argentina started to break away. With perfect execution of their offensive plays, Argentina left Mexico in their wake, taking this semi final by 17 points, 84-67.
Mexico then went on to face Virgin Islands for third place. In the game, Virgin Islands were lifted by Deon Edwin's offence early on, but Mexico kept hitting three-point shots from the same spot on the floor - top right corner of the court - and overpowered Virgin Islands in the paint. Walter Hodge had 20 points for Virgin Islands, but for Mexico Francisco Cruz had 22 - one of five Mexicans to score in double figures - and Hector Hernandez had double double as they took the bronze medal of the AmeriCup.
It all came down to the final, where USA were looking to prove themselves against one of south america's finest, Argentina.
Argentina took an 8-0 lead early on behind Nicolas Brussino, whose three-point shooting and skills at the rim would be a big reason for his team finding themselves leading USA 42-27 at half time. After the re-start, though, USA's three point shooters caught fire, and a third quarter surge from the Americans tightened the game up. Argentina would not go down without a fight though, stepping up their defence and continued strength from close range to keep USA at bay. Xavier Munford gave USA the lead mid-way through the fourth, and the team did not look back.
USA, accepting they were on the back foot and realising they had to fight for the win, responded well to their early set-backs to take a five-point win against Argentina, and AmeriCup gold. Averaging 12.8 points and 8.6 rebounds, Jameel Warney was named tournament MVP.
There's more on all the games and full details of the tournament on the official website.
