Urgent Uruguay Upset USA at FIBA AmeriCup

Uruguay upset the United States 86-85 in a thrilling early round game at the FIBA AmeriCup in Managua, Nicaragua.

Mateo Bianchi and Santiago Vescovi hit clutch shots in the final minute for Uruguay to beat USA for the first time since 2001.

The game was a heated battle from start to finish.

But Coach Gerardo Jauri’s team played with more passion late in the game than USA.

USA coach Stephen Silas said Uruguay played with more intensity, organization and urgency than USA, who outlasted Bahamas in overtime the previous day.

Bianchi gave Uruguay a 84-83 lead with 51 seconds left by scoring at the end of the shot clock. After Langston Galloway missed a three, Vescovi drove to the rim for a lay-up, making it 86-83 with 23 seconds left. Tyler Cavanaugh scored on the rebound after Jahmius Ramsey’s three rimmed out. But the USA had no time-outs left, and Uruguay celebrated their first win over USA since 2001.

Vescovi came off the bench to lead Uruguay with 24 points (including 4 threes) and 5 assists. Shooting guard Joaquín Rodríguez had 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals. Galloway had 25 points with 5 three-pointers, and Ramsey added 19 for USA.

Uruguay led USA in rebounds 45-33 and points in the paint 46-32.

Vescovi credited the win to the cohesion the group has built during preparation and in the early stages of the tournament. “We are a very united team,” said Vescovi, who played at University of Tennessee. “Everyone contributes in their own way— players, coaches, and the entire staff. Each one gives what they can from their role, and I think it’s showing. I believe the way we’ve been working is taking us in the right direction. It’s a joy to see things coming together on the court.”