LEÓN, Mexico — Canada’s U18 men’s national team made history Sunday night, defeating the United States 67-65 to win the country’s first-ever gold medal at the FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup.

In a back-and-forth final that featured 14 lead changes, Canada delivered in the game’s biggest moments, closing on a 5-0 run in the final 1:27 to secure the championship victory.

Tournament MVP Javion Tyndale led Canada with 19 points, eight assists and three steals, while Deng Ngor added 15 points, including the game-tying three-pointer and game-winning dunk in the final moments.

With Canada trailing 65-62 and under two minutes remaining, Tyndale found Ngor in the corner after Ngor cut baseline off a screen from Settimo Yugu. Ngor knocked down the clutch three-pointer to tie the game 65-65 with 1:27 left.

On the ensuing possession, Max Meyer came up with a steal to force a turnover before Tyndale pushed the ball in transition and found Ngor streaking to the rim for a go-ahead dunk that gave Canada a 67-65 lead.

Canada then sealed the win defensively when Yugu drew an offensive foul with six seconds remaining, securing possession and allowing the Canadians to close out the historic victory.

Maxime Meyer anchored Canada defensively throughout the contest, finishing with six rebounds, five steals and three blocks. Ngor added three steals, while Canada forced key turnovers during several pivotal stretches of the game.

The United States went on a 6-0 run in the first quarter to take its largest lead of the game at 19-13, but Canada responded late in the second quarter when Yugu converted a layup to tie the game 35-35 heading into halftime.

Ngor gave Canada its first lead of the second half early in the third quarter with a three-pointer as the Canadians continued to build momentum with their defensive pressure and transition play.

Canada outscored the United States in the fourth quarter and held the Americans scoreless over the final 1:27.

The victory marks Canada’s first-ever gold medal at the FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup after previously earning bronze medals in 2022 and 2024.

Tyndale earned tournament MVP honours, while also being named to the tournament’s All-Star Five team alongside Lyris Robinson, who recorded 10 points and four rebounds in the final.

“The thing that fuelled me was just the chemistry on our team,” said Robinson. “We knew coming into this tournament that we were one of the best teams here, and that we had a chance to win it all. I’m a player that loves to win and make winning plays, so seeing my teammates fight the same way I was fighting — that’s what it takes to win a championship.”

“From training camp, we kept saying we wanted to prove Canada was the best team in the world. I think now people are going to respect Canada Basketball even more. We put the world on notice this week.”

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