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USA defeat Canada in FIBA U16 AmeriCup Final to lift the trophy for ninth time with a perfect mark; Nasir Anderson earns Most Valuable Player

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – The FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2025 throne has the United States’ name etched on it. On Sunday, the Americans secured their ninth title in the tournament’s history after defeating Canada in the Finai, 108-71, l, at the UACJ University Gymnasium.

The competition has yet to see a champion other than the Stars and Stripes, as they won all six of their games. At no point was their undefeated run in jeopardy.

USA leaves Ciudad Juárez with the trophy and a ticket to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Turkey next year, where they will look to win an eighth consecutive championship. Canada, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico also secured spots for the tournament in Turkey.

Point guard Nasir Anderson was named Most Valuable Player of the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2025. As for Canada, they earned their fifth silver medal. All five times, they have lost the Final to the United States. Their top scorer, Isaiah Hamilton, missed the game due to injury.

“Something I’ll remember about this team is the chemistry,” USA head coach Scott Fitch said. “On and off the floor, they genuinely loved each other. As a coach, that makes it so much fun. To see the team and individuals improve as you go along the journey, it’s special to cap it off with a gold medal.”

Turning point

A 32-16 run in the second quarter proved decisive. Canada remained competitive after the first period, trailing by just nine points, but was unable to contain the American offense. Colton Hiller was instrumental during that stretch, hitting two three-pointers and a free throw, while Clarence Rosser Jr. added six points. Eight different players scored during the run.

Player of the game

Rosser Jr. posted his second double-double of the tournament with 16 points and 10 rebounds. In just 16 minutes, he also tallied 2 assists and 1 block.

Marcus Spears also stood out with 14 points and 3 rebounds, while Nasir Anderson contributed 12 points and 7 assists. For Canada, Praise Badejo hit three triples and finished with 18 points. Kenyon St. Louis added 14 more.

Bottom line

The United States remain undefeated in FIBA U16 AmeriCup history. Their all-time record now stands at 49-0 following their six wins in Mexico. Their dominance in Ciudad Juárez was also reflected in their average margin of victory: 58 points. Here’s the box score.

Final standings

  1. United States 2. Canada 3. Venezuela 4. Puerto Rico 5. Brazil 6. Dominican Republic 7. Mexico 8. Argentina.

— From USA Basketball Communications

Senior Writer and national analyst for Blue Media and compiles the Blue Star Elite 25 national boys and girls high school basketball and football rankings during the season. Lawlor, an award-winning writer, is a voting committee member and advisor for several national high school events, including the McDonald’s All-American Games. He previously wrote for USA TODAY and ESPN.com, where he was the national preps writer, while compiling the national rankings in four sports.

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