SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Team USA (men) and Canada (women) triumphed at the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2024 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, securing gold medals in high-stakes finals on Saturday.
The men’s final saw an intense showdown between USA and host nation Puerto Rico. Both teams entered the final with perfect records, and the game lived up to expectations. With the score at 19-18 in favor of USA, Dylan Travis sealed the win with a clutch two-pointer, giving the United States a 21-18 victory and the gold medal.
“It was a tough battle, but we stuck together and got the job done,” Travis said after the game. “Puerto Rico gave us a run for our money, but we’re proud to bring this gold home.”
In the women’s final, Canada remained unbeaten throughout the tournament but faced a strong USA team. The game was physical and closely contested, with Canada holding a slim lead for most of the match. However, a late two-pointer from USA’s Abigail Hsu tied the game, forcing it into overtime. Canada’s Katherine Plouffe, a former world number one, delivered the game-winning shot, securing a 19-18 victory for Canada’s women.
“We knew it was going to be a battle,” Plouffe said. “USA is always tough, but we kept our composure and finished strong.”
In the men’s bronze medal game, Canada defeated the Dominican Republic 21-16, with Jerome Desrosiers and Grant Allen Audu combining for 14 points, continuing their hot streak.
Brazil’s women won bronze after a dramatic back-and-forth game against Puerto Rico. Luana de Souza hit a late two-pointer to give Brazil a 17-16 win, ensuring their third-place finish.
In individual honors, USA’s Henry Caruso was named the tournament’s MVP, having scored 26 points and led all players with a Player Value of 44.5. He was joined in the Men’s Team of the Tournament by Puerto Rico’s Angel Matias and Canada’s Steve Sir.
Canada’s Paige Crozon claimed the Women’s MVP, leading all players with 46 points and a Player Value of 59.3. She was also named to the Women’s Team of the Tournament alongside USA’s Brittney Sykes and Brazil’s Gabriella Soares.
