USA claim FIBA U16 Americas 2019 title in Belem

BELÉM (Brazil) - USA won the gold medal of the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2019, categorically defeating Canada with a score of 94-77, in the Final that took place this Sunday at the Arena Guilherme Paraense of Belém, Brazil.

 
The USA maintained its perfect mark and lifted its sixth straight title in the category, while Canada took their third silver medal in a row.

The team of the USA again made clear their physical superiority to impose their dizzying pace in attack, while in defense was effective by pressing the ball. The team controlled the boards 54-40.

Canada had its best passage in the middle of the third quarter when it approached 55-49; however, coach Mike Jones, requested time and reorganized the defense with an extended pressure that gave results and again the Americans distanced themselves to claim the win.

Christopher Livingstone commanded the offense with 23 points and six rebounds and Adrian Griffin added 18. In total six players of the USA scored 10 or more points.

Livingstone was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament after averaging 14.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and an efficiency of 18.4.

For Canada, forward Caleb Houstan finished with 25 points and point guard Ryan Nembhard added 21, with nine assists.

The All-Star Team of the competition was made up of:
Ryan Nembhard (CAN)
Caleb Houstan (CAN)
Jean Montero (DOM)
Christopher Livingstone (USA)
Jalen Duren (USA)

The Dominican Republic took the bronze medal to win a very disputed match against Argentina, 80-77, thanks to the superb performance from Jean Montero, who was unstoppable with 49 points.

The guard also took 12 rebounds, stole six balls and gave a crucial block with 38 seconds remaining, which prevented Argentina from equalizing the score.

Montero sealed the win by stealing a ball and scoring for a difference of 80-74, with only six seconds left.

For Argentina, who in the second half of the match came to the front temporarily thanks to the shots from long distance, Estaban Caffaro contributed 22 points, with 12 rebounds and Lucas Sigismonti, added 15, with five three-point baskets. The South Americans made 12 three-pointers (10 in the second half) in 23 attempts.

In the reclassification Round, Brazil took fifth place after defeating Puerto Rico 78-61. Mexico finished seventh after a 74-68 win over Uruguay.

Final Positions:
1. USA*
2. Canada*
3. Dominican Republic*
4. Argentina*
5. Brazil
6. Puerto Rico
7. Mexico
8. Uruguay
* Qualified to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2020

FIBA