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2017 U16 FIBA Americas Championship: USA sets two records in victory over Argentina

By Daniel Benjamin

Mar 26, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; A view of an official Wilson basketball as it goes through the net in the finals of the Lexington Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Stanford won 76-75. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; A view of an official Wilson basketball as it goes through the net in the finals of the Lexington Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Stanford won 76-75. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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USA women’s national team is looking to cap off 2017 U16 FIBA Americas Championship with a gold medal.

The USWNT advanced to its fourth U16 FIBA Americas Championship gold medal game with a 98-42 victory over Argentina on June 10. The USA is 3-0 all-time in FIBA Americas Championship gold medal games, claiming titles in 2009, 2011, and 2013. They won the bronze medal in 2015 after falling to Brazil in the semifinals.

The U.S. broke open a relatively close semifinal game in the second half by clamping down on the defensive end. Team USA led Argentina 17-10 after the first 10 minutes, before going into halftime with a 40-27 lead.

Related Story: USA Women’s National Team: 2020 prospect Paige Bueckers sets U16 shooting record

But as has been the throughout the tournament, the U.S. made halftime adjustments and blew the game wide open. The U.S. held the Argentinians without a field goal for nearly 17 straight minutes in the second half. Argentina, which shot just 27.9% from the floor for the game, made   three field goals — all three-pointers —  in the second half.

USA leads the competition in scoring offense, scoring defense, and margin of victory. The U.S. has given up 144 points over the first four games. However, only a measly 56 of those points have come in the final 20 minutes of the contests.

The U.S. has forced 82 turnovers over the last two games. The U.S. turned the Argentinians over 39 times with 27 of those coming as a result of steals, setting a U16 record. The Americans also set a record with 37 free throw attempts, making 22.

Zia Cook and Celeste Taylor each dumped in 12 points to lead five U.S. players in double figures. Cailtin Clark and Jordan Horston added 11 points a piece while Sam Brunelle contributed 10.

Canada (4-0) advanced to the gold medal game by downing Columbia 64-38. The Canadians are in the championship game for a third consecutive time. Canada is 1-2 in FIBA Americas gold medal games, claiming the title in 2015.

The U.S. is 2-0 all-time against its northern neighbors in FIBA Americas Championship with both victories coming in the finals. The teams met prior to the tournament in a friendly with the U.S. coming out on top  86-64 on June 5.

Brynn Ann Masikewich leads the way for the Canadians. Masikewich has registered two double-doubles and has scored in double figures three times. She is averaging 15.0 points a game, on 63.4% shooting, and a competition high 10.2 boards a game.

Sarah Te-Biasu is second on the team with 9.8 points a game. Aaliyah Edwards is contributing 9.4 points. And Donna Ntambue is chipping in 9.0 points.

Canada is second in the FIBA Americas Championship in scoring with 78.2 points per game. The Canadians ranks second in scoring defense, holding teams to 47.2 points a contest. They are also the top shooting team in the competition, knocking down 42.9% of their shots. In the meantime, the U.S. is shooting 41.1% from the field.

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Argentina will meet Columbia in the bronze medal game. The gold and bronze medal games can be seen on YouTube.

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