Launching a bid to reach the FIBA World Cup 2027 through the Americas Qualifiers, Argentina overpowered Cuba, 80-68, in Havana on Thursday. The lineup featured Real Madrid teammates, Facundo Campazzo and Gabriel Deck, but both were limited to under 15 minutes. Gonzalo Corbalan put up 19 points, and Francisco Caffaro posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Elsewhere, Brazil pulled away in the second half to beat Chile, 82-66. Also in Group C, Colombia edged out Venezuela, 80-78. Meanwhile, Uruguay joined Argentina at the top of Group D with a 93-60 rout of Panama.

Starting Groups A and B, the top team on the FIBA World Ranking, presented by NIKE, the United States, and the next Americas country on the list, Canada, step in on Friday, with road games against Nicaragua and the Baham

See Full Page