The United States had to go into overdrive – +23 in the second half – to dismiss the modest Uruguay (88-77) and thus obtain their ticket for the World Cup.
The Americans’ start to the game was disastrous with almost as many lost balls (6) as points (7), which allowed Uruguay to score 11 points on these lost balls. It smelled scorched after 10 minutes of play (-14) and again after 20 (-12). The Americans were paying for their lack of collective sense. But their individual qualities allowed them to then reverse the situation. In the third quarter, they passed a 30-17 to the South Americans. At 66-65, Langston Galloway (21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) took over and scored the next 11 points for the United States, which broke away permanently.
Fullback Xavier Moon was the other top American contributor with 17 points and 6 assists while Agustin Ubal was Uruguay’s main bright spot as the 19-year-old finished the game with 18 points and 6 rebounds.
The United States now have a 9-2 record in Group F and have officially clinched their World Cup spot. They will face Brazil (7-4) in their last qualifying game next Sunday. Uruguay fell to 5-6 in the group and were knocked out of the World Cup. They will end their journey against Mexico (7-4).
It’s almost certain that none of the 52 G-League or overseas players who participated in those windows will be on next summer’s squad that will be made up of NBAers. The coaching staff will also be different. Jim Boylen was the coach for all six qualifying windows, but Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors – assisted by Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat, Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers and Mark Few of Gonzaga – will lead the team. this summer.
The United States has won the World Cup, formerly known as the World Championship, five times. But in China in 2019, they finished seventh, which is the worst result ever by an American team in a major tournament. The Americans bounced back at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, winning gold for the fourth consecutive time after a victory in the final over France. They will once again be the favorites to be on the top step of the podium in Manila.
