USA vs Canada Basketball Score: Who Won the Latest Matchup?

I still remember the tension in the air during that USA vs Canada basketball matchup last week—the kind of electric atmosphere that makes you feel every dribble and shot right in your bones. As someone who’s followed international basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of rivalries, but this one always delivers something special. The final score? USA 98, Canada 92. But numbers only tell part of the story. What really stood out to me was how the game unfolded, especially in those critical moments where momentum swung decisively.

The first half was a masterclass from Shanoda, who I’ve long considered one of the most underrated players in recent international play. He came out firing, scoring 18 points in just the first two quarters and setting the tone for the Americans. His ability to drive to the basket and create opportunities was nothing short of brilliant. I’ve always admired how he reads defenses—almost like a chess player anticipating moves three steps ahead. By halftime, the USA had built a comfortable 54-45 lead, and honestly, I thought Canada might struggle to close the gap. But as any seasoned fan knows, basketball games aren’t won in the first half.

Then came the second half, and wow, did Wilmar Oftana step up when it mattered most. This is where the game truly shifted, in my opinion. Oftana, who had been relatively quiet earlier, absolutely took the wheel after the break. He scored 11 points in that crucial stretch, extending the Generals' lead and making sure Canada never really found their footing. I’ve watched Oftana play in various leagues, and his second-half performance reminded me why he’s such a clutch player—calm under pressure, with a knack for hitting shots when the defense least expects it. His contribution wasn’t just about the points; it was the timing and confidence that sealed what turned into a surprisingly breezy win for the USA.

From my perspective, this matchup highlighted a key difference between the two teams: depth in scoring options. While Canada relied heavily on their starters, the USA’s bench players like Oftana brought that extra firepower when starters needed support. I’ve always believed that international games are won by teams who can adapt mid-game, and the Americans did just that. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the lead had ballooned to 15 points at one stage, thanks to Oftana’s efforts and some solid defensive plays. Canada tried to mount a comeback, cutting it to within 6 points in the final minutes, but it was too little, too late.

Looking back, I’d say this game reinforced why the USA remains a powerhouse in basketball, even as Canada continues to improve. Sure, the final score shows a 6-point victory, but the way it played out—with Shanoda’s explosive start and Oftana’s steady hand later on—made it feel more dominant than the numbers suggest. As a fan, I love seeing these kinds of performances because they remind us that basketball isn’t just about star power; it’s about teamwork and stepping up in key moments. If I had to pick a standout moment, it’d be Oftana’s back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter that essentially put the game out of reach. That’s the kind of play that sticks with you long after the final buzzer.

In the end, while the USA walked away with the win, both teams showed why this rivalry is so compelling. For Canada, there’s room to grow, particularly in maintaining consistency across all four quarters. But for now, the bragging rights belong to the Americans, and based on what I saw, they’ve got the momentum heading into future matchups. As someone who’s analyzed countless games, I’d bet we’ll see more of these intense battles, and I, for one, can’t wait.