Team USA outplayed Canada 65-53 to advance to the final of the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup on Saturday at the Centro de Deportes Colectivos in Santiago, Chile.
Hannah Hidalgo tallied 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals to lead USA to a come-from-behind win over the spirited Canadians, who were within striking distance after the first three quarters. However, Kara Lawson's squad closed the game out with a 14-5 run in the final frame.
The win moved Team USA to a gold-medal clash with Brazil, who overwhelmed Argentina 108-68 in the other semifinal clash.
USA vs Canada Box Scores
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USA vs Canada Game Summary
USA came out flat from the tip, letting Canada take a 14-12 lead by the end of the first quarter. Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo gave the Stars and Stripes a 22-14 lead after scoring seven of the team's first 10 points in the second period.
The Canadians didn't allow their American counterparts to pull away, responding with an 11-2 surge to reclaim the lead, 25-24. They pulled away from Team USA but dropped six straight points to enter the break with a 33-31 lead.
The 5-foot-6 Hidalgo orchestrated a 9-2 run in the third to give Team USA a 42-39 lead. Canada wrested back the advantage, but Hidalgo answered with six straight points on two baskets and an assist to Kennedy Smith, giving the Americans a three-point edge.
Team USA struggled with its offense in the fourth quarter, scoring only 14 points. However, its defense limited the Canadians to five points to seal the win.
Texas forward Madison Booker scored seven of her 12 points in the payoff period, outscoring Team Canada in the quarter.
Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes added 11 points, four rebounds and two steals for the US, which won despite shooting 35.4% from the field. The Stars and Stripes stepped up on defense, limiting the Canadians to 19-for-74, or 25.7%.
Canada led the rebounds (53-42) and assists (11-8) departments but allowed Team USA to swipe the ball 17 times while recording nine steals of its own. The Americans had a 10-6 edge in blocks and 29-9 in fastbreak points.
Kayla Alexander was the only Canadian player in double figures with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Delaney Gibb and Merissah Russell added nine points apiece.
Michigan's Syla Swords was limited to four points on 1-of-9 shooting. LSU guard Sheyann Day-Wilson contributed two points on free throws and failed to make a field goal in 10 attempts.
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