Overview
- Fielding a non-NBA qualifying roster coached by Stephen Silas, the U.S. fell 87-79 on Thursday at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.
- The Dominican Republic seized control on the boards with 16 offensive rebounds that repeatedly extended possessions.
- Brandon Knight led Team USA with 20 points, while Jassel Perez posted 20 points and 10 rebounds and Andersson Mejia added 14 for the visitors.
- Team USA opened with eight first-quarter turnovers and trailed 21-10 after 10 minutes, and Silas described the outcome as disappointing.
- Despite the setback, the U.S. remains tied atop its group with Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and seven teams from the Americas will qualify for the 2027 World Cup.