World Cup qualifiers in the Americas: Canada moves to 8-0, Puerto Rico and Brazil stumble
Canada overcame a 17-point deficit to beat Argentina and remain unbeaten in Basketball World Cup qualifying in the Americas, while Puerto Rico and Brazil suffered fresh defeats.
The Americas qualifying tournament for the 2027 Basketball World Cup, to be held in Qatar, continues, with only three national teams worldwide still unbeaten — Canada among them.
Hosting in Quebec, Canada defeated Argentina 97:92 despite trailing by as much as 17 points in the first half (23:40). The hosts closed the gap significantly before the break, then took the lead in the third quarter and never relinquished it. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Canada with 26 points, followed by Lu Dort with 25, while Argentina's Nicolas Laprovittola scored 31. The win keeps Canada alone atop its group at 8-0.
Elsewhere, Uruguay beat Puerto Rico 80:75, strengthening its hold on first place in its group and moving closer to a long-awaited World Cup appearance. Bruno Fitipaldo led Uruguay with 20 points and six assists, while Puerto Rico's Ethan Thompson scored 29.
Panama beat the Bahamas 100:82 at home; Bahamas featured Riga VEF newcomer Luis Rodriguez, who had 18 points and ten rebounds in a losing effort.
Mexico edged Brazil 79:74 at home, holding on after Brazil had cut an 11-point deficit late in the game. Former VEF player Paco Cruz scored 24 for Mexico, while Brazil's Leonardo Meindl top-scored with 21.
The United States routed Colombia 104:80 in Washington, and the Dominican Republic thrashed Chile 101:66 at home, both results reinforcing their positions in the standings.
Only the statistically best-ranked fourth-place team from the qualifying groups will advance to the World Cup finals.
