The United States Virgin Islands University Sports Federation Men’s Basketball Team slayed a giant as they defeated Argentina in the semi-finals of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) America Games in Lima, Peru, July 25.
The USVI is one of seven countries entered in the Men’s Basketball Division of the 2026 FISU America Games. The VI is paired with the United States of America and the host, Peru. Group A is home to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. The USVI cruised by host Peru in their first game 93 -73. The USA provided more resistance in the VI’s second game of the event. The USA humbled the VI, winning 120-65.
The VI made it to the semi-finals, where they took on a formidable basketball giant, Argentina. The first quarter ended evenly at 12. The VI forged ahead by five points in the second to take a 28-23 halftime lead. Argentina closed the margin to two points going into the fall stanza. The fourth quarter was the Amayoa’ah Phillips show, as he scored 11 of his 19 points. Argentina stayed in the game by hitting six three-pointers in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as the VI held on for the 63-61 victory. Ajani Blyden and Kehjayah Rogers both contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the VI.
The VI will take on the biggest giant in the basketball world in an all-US final. The USVI will battle the USA. The US had its way with the VI earlier in the tournament. It may take a miracle for the VI to come out on top in this game. The game will be played on Monday, July 27, at 2 p.m. EST.
The USVI University Sports Federation Men’s Basketball Roster featured:
11 – Khamani Olivacce
12 – Kehjayah Rogers
13 – Jalen Greenidge
14 – Amayoa’ah Phillips
15 – Chad Molloy
16 – Brandon Rasmussen
17 – Deandre Thompson
18 – Ajani Blyden
19 – Hasani Rivera
20 – Ky’Nai Christian
Head Coach – Donald Bough
Assistant Coach – Kevin Sheppard
Manager – David Edole
