Canada finishes fourth at FIBA AmeriCup after bronze-medal loss to the U.S., marking a second straight near-podium finish for the men’s team.
Strong Start, Disappointing Finish
Team Canada’s men’s basketball squad ended the FIBA AmeriCup in fourth place on Sunday after falling 89–85 to the United States in Managua, Nicaragua. The narrow loss denied Canada a medal for the second consecutive tournament, continuing a frustrating streak of fourth-place finishes.
The Turning Point
Canada opened with intensity, grabbing an early five-point lead in the first quarter. However, a three-pointer from U.S. guard Jahmius Ramsey shifted momentum, giving the Americans a 15–12 edge. Despite Canada outscoring the U.S. in both the third and fourth quarters, the deficit proved too steep to overcome.
Player Highlights
Marcus Carr led Canada with 16 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Mfiondu Kabengele added 16 points and seven boards. For the U.S., Javonte Smart and Tyler Cavanaugh each scored a game-high 21 points, providing the offensive punch that ultimately sealed the American victory.
Shooting Struggles Costly
Canada’s offense showed flashes of promise, hitting 52 percent of field goals. But the team struggled badly from long range, connecting on just 17.7 percent of three-point attempts. Head coach Nathaniel Mitchell noted that inconsistency proved decisive: “We’ve got to figure out a way to win even when we’re not playing well. We didn’t do that tonight.”
Tournament Journey
The Canadians arrived in the bronze-medal match unbeaten before falling to Argentina in the semifinals. Despite missing out on a podium finish, the squad showed growth and resilience throughout the tournament. Mitchell emphasized that the experience lays groundwork for future international competition.
Building Toward the Future
While Canada leaves Nicaragua disappointed, the campaign contributes to the long-term vision of preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “We’re proud of the development,” Mitchell said. “Every time we step out as Canada, we expect to win.” The challenge now is converting competitive runs into medals.
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