Guyana unable to progress in FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers

Hosts Guyana will not progress in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, despite a valiant three-game winning streak on home soil.

A costly 68-55 opening-night defeat to the Turks and Caicos Islands ultimately doomed the Golden Arrowhead, leaving Alan Walls’ side with no margin for error in a ruthless Group A.

Despite the initial setback, the hosts rallied superbly before a raucous crowd at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Guyana ignited their campaign with a thrilling 75-73 overtime victory against Antigua and Barbuda, followed by a commanding 68-53 win over Dominica, and a gritty 59-56 triumph against Bermuda.

Yet, despite finishing with a highly commendable 3-1 record, qualification was taken out of Guyana’s hands.

In a dramatic final group fixture, the hosts needed Antigua and Barbuda to beat the previously undefeated Turks and Caicos Islands by more than eight points to keep their mathematical hopes alive.

Antigua delivered a masterclass, crushing their opponents 58-31, but the resulting point-differential tiebreaker cruelly ended Guyana’s journey, placing them fourth overall.

Instead, it is Group B winners Barbados (4-0)—who cruised through the tournament unbeaten—and Group A toppers Antigua and Barbuda (3-1) who secure the two coveted spots in the Second Round.

The Caribbean duo will now progress to the next stage on the road to the continental showpiece, joining Costa Rica, who booked their spot via the Central American Pre-Qualifiers in March.

Also waiting in the Second Round are Cuba, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, following their exits from the First Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers.

The final South American representative is yet to be decided.

Final Standings:

• 1st: Barbados (4-0) – Advanced
• 2nd: Antigua and Barbuda (3-1) – Advanced
• 3rd: Haiti (3-1)
• 4th: Guyana (3-1)
• 5th: Turks and Caicos Islands (3-1)
• 6th-10th: St Vincent and the Grenadines (2-2), Dominica (1-3), Cayman Islands (1-3), Bermuda (0-4), Grenada (0-4).