Photo: FIBA

Team USA entered the AmeriCup without any NBA names on its roster, and the absence proved costly. In the semifinal matchup, the Americans fell 92-77 to Brazil, bowing out of the competition earlier than they had hoped.

Langston Galloway carried much of the offensive load, finishing with 22 points. Alongside him was Jerian Grant, the former EuroLeague champion with Panathinaikos, who brought international experience to an otherwise less star-studded American side.

But even with their contributions, the USA couldn’t withstand Brazil’s furious rally. The hero of the night was Yago Dos Santos.

“Yago Dos Santos, who is currently a free agent after finishing the season with Crvena Zvezda, scored 25 points for the winning side, and also dished 12 assists,” the report confirmed.

His performance energized Brazil when the game seemed all but lost. Lucas Dias added 18 points, giving Brazil a second reliable scoring option.

For much of the contest, the Americans looked in control. At one point in the third quarter, they led by as many as 20 points. Yet basketball can shift in a heartbeat, and Brazil proved that with an extraordinary comeback.

They chipped away at the deficit possession by possession until, by the final buzzer, the scoreline told the story of a complete turnaround.

The other semifinal also carried a similar theme of NBA absences. Argentina, facing a Canadian squad missing its top-tier stars, claimed an 83-73 victory. Jose Vildoza shined brightest for the Argentinians, scoring 26 points and making sure his team reached the final.

Argentina and Brazil will now square off for the AmeriCup title, while the United States and Canada are left to reflect on what might have been had they brought their strongest lineups.

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