RECIFE, Brazil (AP) — Paul Stoll had 15 points and nine assists, and Mexico defeated the US 73-67 on Friday in the opening game of Group C play for both teams at the FIBA AmeriCup.
Fabian James added 13 points and 10 rebounds for Mexico.
Jeremy Pargo led the US with 14 points. Norris Cole scored 11 and Gary Clark grabbed 12 rebounds for the Americans.
Both teams shot 39%. But the US committed 18 turnovers to Mexico’s 13, and was whistled for 22 fouls to Mexico’s 15.
The loss does not knock the US out of contention, although it certainly puts the pressure on the Americans going into their final two games in the group stage.
There are 12 teams at AmeriCup, broken into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group are guaranteed berths in the quarterfinals, as well as two of the three third-place teams.
That means the US would still likely reach the quarterfinals with wins in its two remaining group games, and would even have a chance by going 1-1 in those contests.
The US is using a roster composed of players who were most recently on either G League teams or international clubs.
The AmeriCup event is separate from the ongoing qualifying for next year’s Basketball World Cup — which serves as a primary path for teams to earn a spot in the field for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
USA upset by Mexico in first game of FIBA AmeriCup tournament originally appeared on NBCSports.com