The USA and Canada appear headed for a title-game clash in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
Both teams swept their pool play games and will play in Monday’s semifinals.
Canada will meet Argentina Monday at 3:15 p.m. Mountain Time in one semifinal, and the U.S. will take on the Dominican Republic afterward.
The championship game is Tuesday afternoon.
All four medal semifinal teams earned a berth to the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship, which will be hosted by Greece.
Jalen Brunson scored 16 points Sunday to pace the U.S. to a 118-64 win over Argentina.
In addition to Brunson, who also dished out six assists; Tyler Lydon (New Hampton School/ Elizaville, N.Y.) scored 14, 12 of which came in the first half; Allonzo Trier (Montrose Christian/Seattle, Wash.) and Justise Winslow (St. John’s School/Houston, Texas) scored 13 points apiece; Jaylen Brown (Wheeler H.S./Alpharetta, Ga.) and Luke Kennard (Franklin H.S./Franklin, Ohio) chipped in 10 each; while Chase Jeter (Bishop Gorman H.S./Las Vegas, Nev.) added nine points and Tyus Jones (Apple Valley H.S./Apple Valley, Minn.) and Stephen Zimmerman (Bishop Gorman H.S./Las Vegas, Nev.) contributed eight points each.
“(Argentina) played well,” said Jones. “They ran their sets and got into their sets. We were able to speed them up with our press. We just had a good energy level tonight and I think that was a big difference.”
Canada advanced to the semis with a 91-70 win over the DR.
Harvard freshman Chris Egi played his best game of the tournament, scoring 20 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and finishing with four blocks.
Dillon Brooks continued to put points up in bunches for the U18 Canadian crew, scoring 26 points on 9-17 shooting, while pulling down six boards and picking up six steals.
“Extremely proud of our 12 athletes and our staff, on coming together and accomplishing stage one of our goal, qualifying for the 2015 Worlds in Crete, Greece,” said head coach Roy Rana. “Next stage, the hunt for a medal. Canada should take great pride in what these
Photo: USA Basketball
