Americas



A slight amendment to the schedule for day one saw USA and Mexico start off the action. The Paralympic Gold medallists, USA, came out to show they mean business in retaining their Americas Cup title, taking the victory, 79-34. Jake WIlliams led the scoring for USA with 20 points, whilst Martin Ernesto Arredondo Castro hit 11 points for Mexico.

The second game of the day welcomed Patrick Anderson back to the international stage, as Canada took on Puerto Rico. His 27 points, along with a double double from Nik Goncin (20 points and 17 rebounds), assisted Canada to a 75-26 win.

The first women's game of the tournament was a thriller, as a new look USA took on Brazil. The game went down to the wire with the USA taking it by just two points, 55-53, having to come from five points down at the end of the third quarter. Brazil's Almedia and USA's Miller both guiding their teams with a double double of 18 points and 10 rebounds each.

Costa Rica's men's team made their Americas Cup debut in the fourth game of the day against Venezuela. The experience and strength of the Venezuelan team though, proved too much for Costa Rica in the opening half, and despite putting up a good fight in the second half, the damage had been done and Venezuela took their first win of the tournament, 72 -37.

Hosts Colombia women where on next, against a Canada women teams, who had undergone some regrouping since Rio last year, with a mix of the experience and youth shinning through the Canadian's controlled the game with ease taking a, 81 -27 win.

The teams, officials, volunteers, supporters and prestigous guests were then treated to a colourful and exuberant opening ceremony to officially declare the Championships open.

Following the opening ceremony, Colombia's men's team then took to the court against Uruguay. The boistourous home crowd bouyed Colombia in to an early lead, but Uruguay fought back to lead by one at the half-time break. A rejuvenated Colombian team stormed the third quarter 22-5 to give them a comfortable lead which was enough for them to secure a 60-47 win. Colombia's top scorer Nelson Jaime Sanz Londono made a double double with 24 points and 13 rebounds, whilst Uruguay had three players in double figures Fernando Polti, Diego Roldan Alvarado, and Daniel Martinez, with 16, 15 and 12 points respectively.

To follow the Americas Cup 2017 follow the event page.

Image Courtesy of Inspire Colombia.

*Please not there live stream of the event will be available between the 26th August - 30th August