World Cup 2027 American Qualifiers: USA Edge Dominican Republic on Craig's Late Three

USA pulled off a razor-thin road comeback, erasing a 13-point deficit to beat the Dominican Republic 82-81 in a Group B thriller of the World Cup 2027 American Qualifiers at the Palacio de los Deportes. The hosts controlled the game for nearly 30 minutes, building their lead as large as 13 in the second quarter, but USA clawed back to tie it at 48-48 early in the third and the game stayed tight the rest of the way. The Dominican Republic briefly retook the lead late on an Andres Feliz (188-PG-1997, college: Illinois) burst, but with 23 seconds left, Torrey Craig (198-F-1990, college: USC Upstate) drilled a three-pointer to put USA in front for good, 82-81. Chris Duarte's potential game-winning three for the Dominican Republic rimmed out at the buzzer, sealing the result.
Mike James (185-PG-1990, college: Lamar) orchestrated the comeback with 15 points and 12 assists, and York Gabe (190-SG-1993, college: Arizona) was named crunch-time MVP after scoring 13 points, including five points in the decisive final stretch without missing a shot. Craig added a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Terry Taylor (196-F-1999, college: Austin Peay) chipped in 14 points and six rebounds. Andres Feliz led all scorers with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Dominican Republic, but the hosts came up just short in a heartbreaking home defeat.