Former VFL Drops 24 Points, Guides Uruguay To Upset Win Over USA
Image: Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
Former VFL standout Santiago Vescovi just led Uruguay to its first win over Team USA in 24 years, edging the Americans 86-85 in the FIBA AmeriCup.
Vescovi absolutely lit it up from Team Uruguay, leading the team with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-7 clip behind the arc, along with five assists.
Coming off the bench for Team Uruguay, Vescovi delivered the dagger with a late-game layup that pushed the lead to three with 23 seconds remaining against a Team USA squad that features former NBA guards Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant, along with current G-Leaguer Jahmi’us Ramsey.
Team USA had a chance to tie, but Jahmi’us Ramsey's three point attempt rimmed out, clinching the historic upset for Team Uruguay.
“I believe the way we’ve been working is taking us in the right direction,” Vescovi said after the win. It’s a joy to see things coming together on the court.”
The 23-year-old sharpshooter spent four years in Knoxville and holds program records for the Volunteers in both career starts (128) and steals (212), while also earning 2023 All-SEC First Team honors in the process.
The win signifies only Uruguay’s second-ever victory in the AmeriCup over Team USA.
With the result, Team USA drops to 1-1 in group play and will face Team Brazil later Tuesday, while Uruguay also moves to 1-1 and is set to take on Team Bahamas at 6:10 p.m ET.
