USA wins Women’s AmeriCup titles

Flau’jae Johnson and Joyce Edwards spearheaded the United States’ triumph over Brazil, the defending champions from 2023, reclaiming gold in this year’s Final. The intense showdown unfolded at the Centro de Deportes Colectivos in Santiago, Chile, where a 92-84 victory secured the Americans their fifth continental crown and a direct ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. With this latest championship trophy, the U.S. has now claimed three of the last four Women’s AmeriCup titles.

Mikayla Blakes, a scoring powerhouse from Vanderbilt, poured in 27 points, shooting 9-for-14 on two-pointers, adding two three-pointers and three free throws. Her explosive performance included a critical 14-point surge in the second quarter, countering Brazil’s 10-0 run and cementing her as the tournament’s MVP and a member of the All-Star 5.

Meanwhile, Hannah Hidalgo emerged as the relentless two-way engine for Team USA, leading the charge in both scoring and steals throughout the tournament. In the finals, she complemented Blakes with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, earning her own spot on the All-Star 5 roster. Against Brazil, Edwards, Team USA’s leading rebounder, not only helped the Americans win the battle of the boards, tying a team