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The Cuban men's basketball team was eliminated from the qualifying round for the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 after losing to the Bahamas with a score of 97-74 in Nassau.
That result, combined with the lack of visas to enter Puerto Rico, prevents the Cuba team from playing its final match in Group D.
From the initial jump, the Bahamas dominated the game, ending the first quarter with a 26-20 lead. In the second period, a 15-0 run extended the gap, and the first half concluded with a resounding 51-34 in favor of the home team.
The Bahamian Tavario Miller stood out as the star of the match, scoring 30 points with great efficiency. Cuba registered a better field goal percentage (50.8% compared to 49.4%), but the superiority of the Bahamas in two-point shots and free throws (44.4% compared to 33.3% for Cuba) was decisive.
The offensive rebound was another key factor, with the Bahamas capturing 19 offensive rebounds, translating into 19 second-chance points. Additionally, the greater depth of the Bahamian bench contributed 35 points, while Cuba, with only nine players available, lacked answers.
The situation for the Cuban team became complicated due to the absence of key players such as Yoanki Mensia, Howard Saint-Roos, and Karel Guzmán, who were unable to travel due to visa issues. This left the team, led by Osmel Planas, with only nine of the 15 called up.
ACN confirmed that the elimination was not only sporting but also administrative. Only two Cuban players have visas to enter Puerto Rico, which prevents them from playing the match scheduled for Sunday, February 23.
According to FIBA regulations, failure to appear results in an automatic loss of 20-0, thereby sealing Cuba's elimination.
The president of the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation, Yum Ramos, had confirmed on Thursday that the game was still "on schedule," although he acknowledged that FIBA was managing the situation.
With the elimination confirmed and no chance to play their final game, Cuba bids farewell to the qualifiers for the AmeriCup 2025, leaving behind a bitter lesson on the importance of administrative organization and resource availability to meet international commitments.
In 2024, the Cuba basketball team lost to the United States in Florida while competing in the qualifying rounds for the Fiba AmeriCup 2025. They were left with seven players due to the departure of the eighth member of the team.
Jit pointed out that the players "stood their ground against the Americans at the Silver Spur Arena in Osceola, Florida," with a score of 100-79.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Elimination in the Basketball America Cup
Why was the Cuban basketball team unable to play its last match in the Copa América?
The Cuban team was unable to play its final match in the Copa América due to the lack of visas to enter Puerto Rico, where the game was scheduled to take place. This administrative issue added to their sports elimination following the defeat against the Bahamas.
How did the absence of key players affect Cuba's performance in the match against the Bahamas?
The absence of key figures such as Yoanki Mensia, Howard Saint-Roos, and Karel Guzmán due to visa issues weakened the Cuban team, leaving only nine players available. This impacted their responsiveness and contributed to their defeat against the Bahamas.
What does the absence of a team imply according to FIBA regulations?
According to FIBA regulations, the absence of a team results in an automatic loss of 20-0. For Cuba, this sealed their elimination from the tournament and highlighted the importance of administrative organization in international events.
What factors contributed to Cuba's defeat against the Bahamas in the America Cup of Basketball?
The defeat of Cuba against the Bahamas was the result of several factors: the superiority of the Bahamas in two-point shots and free throws, the dominance in offensive rebounds and the greater depth of the Bahamian bench. Additionally, the absence of key players weakened the Cuban team.
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