As expected, the USA and Canada will play Tuesday for the gold medal in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Colorado Springs, CO.
The U.S. advanced Monday with a 90-56 win over the Dominican Republic, while Canada beat Argentina, 91-82.
For the U.S., Stanley Johnson led all scorers with 15 points, also swiped a team-high seven rebounds and had three steals; Duke freshman Tyus Jones scored 14 points and dished out seven assists; Allonzo Trier (Montrose Christian/Seattle, Wash.) scored 13 and picked off three steals; Luke Kennard (Franklin H.S./Franklin, Ohio) shot 3-of-6 from 3-point and closed with 11 points; Jalen Brunson (Adlai E. Stevenson H.S./Lincolnshire, Ill.) scored 10 points and shot 8-of-12 from the line; while Texas freshman Myles Turner added nine points and Isaiah Briscoe (Roselle Catholic H.S./Union, N.J.) had eight.
For Canada, Dillon Brooks led Canada with 29 points, going 16-for-17 from the line, while Montaque “Teki” Gill-Caesar added 24 points and six rebounds.
Jose Vildoza, whose 26 points kept the Canadians on their toes until the final buzzer, led Argentina.
“It’s a fantastic win for our country with 11 first-time Canadian National Team members,” said Canadian head coach Roy Rana. “What an incredible growth experience for this group. We’re so happy to be playing for Gold. We haven’t been able to get over that hump for a long time so it’s beautiful to see this team do it.”
Photo: USA BAsketball