Brazil’s men’s national team reclaimed continental supremacy on Sunday night, defeating Argentina 55-47 in Managua, Nicaragua, to win the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup.
The defensive struggle produced several tournament records. Brazil’s 55 points were the fewest ever scored by a champion, while the 102 combined points marked the lowest total in any AmeriCup game, according to FIBA.
The matchup was a repeat of the 2022 final, which Argentina won. This time, Brazil secured its fifth AmeriCup title and first since 2009, relegating its longtime rival to the silver medal.
MVP honors for Yago Santos
Point guard Yago Santos, who plays club basketball for Crvena Zvezda in the EuroLeague, earned tournament MVP. Over six games he averaged 17.8 points, 6.2 assists against 1.8 turnovers, and 3.3 rebounds while shooting .485 from the field, .487 from three-point range and .880 at the free-throw line.
Santos powered Brazil’s semifinal comeback against the United States with game highs of 25 points and 12 assists, then led all scorers in the final with 14 points and five assists.
All-Star selections
The All-Star Five featured Santos alongside teammate Bruno Caboclo, Argentina’s Juan Fernandez, U.S. guard Javonte Smart and Canadian swingman Kyshawn George. Caboclo and Smart are former NBA players, while George—making his senior national team debut—enters his second season with the Washington Wizards.
Bronze medal game
Earlier Sunday, the United States repeated its 2022 performance by defeating Canada in the third-place game. Smart and Tyler Cavanaugh paced Team USA with 21 points apiece.
Second-team honors
The All-Star Five second team comprised New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (Puerto Rico), Norchad Omier (Nicaragua), Georginho De Paula (Brazil), José Vildoza (Argentina) and Mfiondu Kabengele (Canada). Omier is expected to sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers after going undrafted in June, while Kabengele most recently appeared in the NBA with Boston during the 2022-23 season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
