Joyce Edwards and Team USA claimed the gold medal at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Santiago, Chile, defeating Brazil 92-84 in the championship game. The matchup was a rematch of the 2023 final, where Kamilla Cardoso led Brazil to victory over Raven Johnson and the Americans. This time, Edwards turned the tables.
As team captain, Edwards posted 11 points and seven rebounds but made her biggest impact in the fourth quarter. Entering the final frame down 66-65, she delivered seven points, a rebound, a steal, and an assist to spearhead the comeback. However, Edwards’ influence began early in the game, drawing two quick fouls on Cardoso within the first 2:31 limiting the Brazilian star to just 18 minutes of play.
Despite her limited time on the court, Cardoso was highly effective, scoring 19 points. Her absence due to foul trouble proved costly for Brazil, which leaned heavily on Damiris Dantas. The veteran WNBA forward logged all 40 minutes and poured in 35 points, along with eight rebounds and four assists. Edwards was often tasked with defending Dantas and held her to just four points in the fourth quarter after being outmatched early.
Edwards started all seven games for Team USA, averaging 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in just under 20 minutes per game. Cardoso also started every game for Brazil, averaging 14.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.0 blocks leading all players in rebounds and blocks.
Ayla McDowell saw limited action for Brazil, appearing in four games and averaging 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 10 minutes per contest.
With the win, Team USA earned a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Brazil will need to qualify through additional tournaments. This marks Team USA’s fifth AmeriCup gold, while Brazil remains the most decorated nation with six golds, five silvers, and four bronzes. Canada, which won bronze in a thrilling double-overtime game, is second in overall medal count with nine total podium finishes.
Edwards now adds another gold to her growing collection, having also won at the 2024 U18 AmeriCup and 2023 U19 World Cup. Cardoso has medaled at three straight AmeriCups gold in 2023, silver in 2025, and bronze in 2021.
The All-Star Five featured Canada’s Syla Swords, who hit the bronze-winning shot, Team USA’s Hannah Hidalgo, Brazil’s Damiris Dantas and Kamilla Cardoso, and MVP Mikayla Blakes, who scored 27 points in the final.
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