Brazil got the closest to beating Team USA during the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Chile, giving the Americans a run for their money in the final. The game also featured three South Carolina Gamecocks players, one for the United States and one for Brazil, and head coach Dawn Staley shouted them out after that closer-than-expected final.
Gamecocks star Joyce Edwards represented the red, white, and blue, while Kamilla Cardoso and Ayla McDowell represented the South Americans in the contest, though it was Team USA that won the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in the end, 92-84. Dawn Staley was proud of all of them.
“Congrats to @GamecockWBB own @JoyceEdwards24 on winning the @AmeriCup and playing her gamecock butt off! And shoutout to silver medalists @Kamillascsilva @aylamm2_ for representing Brazil in gamecock fashion in the gold medal game!! Love ladies!!!” Staley wrote on X.
Congrats to @GamecockWBB own @JoyceEdwards24 on winning the @AmeriCup and playing her gamecock butt off! And shoutout to silver medalists @Kamillascsilva @aylamm2_ for representing Brazil in gamecock fashion in the gold medal game!! Love ladies!!!
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) July 7, 2025
Edwards served as the captain of USA Basketball over in Chile, dropping 11 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal during that final game. Meanwhile, Cardoso had a big game with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists for Brazil, while incoming South Carolina freshman Ayla McDowell did not play in the final.
Mikayla Blakes led the Americans with her 27 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block, while LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson had a quiet night during the final, playing only for 3:21 and did not even score any basket. For Brazil, Damiris Dantas led the way with 35 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals and was the most efficient player for either team.
Brazil Gave Team USA a Big Scare During 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup
The Americans came into the final game as the heavy favorites to win the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, though Brazil does have their number, winning the last two FIBA Americas contests that they had. The Americans exploded in the opening quarter, but Brazil kept in close, 25-22.
However, the Brazilians fought back and took the lead in the second quarter, but the Americans soon took it back. After halftime, however, Brazil went on a run and led throughout the third quarter, with the Americans soon facing their biggest challenge of the tournament yet.
However, Team USA gathered themselves and had a big comeback during the fourth quarter, outscoring the Brazilians 27-18 in the closing moments and cementing their FIBA Americas win.
Joyce Edwards, Kamilla Cardoso and Ayla McDowell are expected to return to South Carolina, where Dawn Staley is awaiting them and will train them up for another season of college ball.
Related: Texas Star Madison Booker Strikes Back at Aaliyah Moore’s 5-Word Tag on Team USA Highlight
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