USA Open Americas Qualifying With Commanding 104-80 Victory Over Colombia

The United States opened their FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers campaign in emphatic fashion on September 1, 2026, rolling past Colombia 104-80 behind a balanced offensive attack and a stifling second-half defensive effort. The win gave the Americans a strong start on the road to the 2027 FIBA World Cup and reinforced their status as the favorites in the Americas zone.

Match Overview

Colombia came out with clear intent, matching the USA's pace through an energetic first quarter. The visitors knocked down early outside shots and used quick ball movement to keep the game tight. However, the depth and athleticism of the American roster began to tell as the game progressed. A strong push late in the second quarter stretched the lead to double digits, and the USA never looked back after halftime.

The final scoreline of 104-80 reflected a game that was competitive for stretches but ultimately controlled by a USA side that found its rhythm from beyond the arc and in transition.

Key Moments

• First-quarter resistance: Colombia stayed within striking distance early thanks to sharp perimeter shooting and disciplined offensive sets, trailing by just five points after the opening period.
• Decisive second-quarter run: The USA used a 14-2 burst midway through the second quarter to turn a tight contest into a comfortable lead, capitalizing on Colombia's turnovers and scoring in transition.
• Third-quarter separation: Coming out of the break, the Americans raised their defensive intensity, holding Colombia to just 16 points in the third quarter while extending the lead past the 20-point mark.
• Bench contributions: With the game well in hand, the USA leaned on its deep bench, with multiple reserves making an impact and keeping the scoring pressure constant until the final buzzer.

Tactical Story

The USA's victory was built on versatility and pace. They pushed the ball at every opportunity, racking up a significant advantage in fast-break points. Defensively, they switched aggressively on the perimeter and closed out on Colombia's shooters, limiting the visitors' open looks as the game went on.

Colombia showed genuine quality in the first half, particularly in their half-court sets. But the USA's relentless ball pressure and superior size on the glass wore them down. The Americans controlled the boards on both ends, generating second-chance opportunities while preventing Colombia from getting easy looks in the paint.

Standout Players

Five American players finished in double figures, highlighting the team's depth. The backcourt duo set the tone with their pace and playmaking, while the frontcourt provided a physical presence inside. Colombia's most productive scorer kept his team afloat during the early stages, finishing with a strong individual line despite the defeat.

Season and Qualifying Impact

With the victory, the USA took an early lead in their qualifying group and sent a clear message to the rest of the Americas zone. The FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers remain a demanding test, with travel, altitude, and hostile environments part of the equation, but a performance like this gives the United States a confident foundation.

For Colombia, the result is a valuable learning experience. They showed flashes of competitiveness and will look to build on those moments in upcoming qualifying windows as they chase a spot in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The margin may have been sizable, but the visitors proved they can play quality basketball against elite opponents.