POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
FINAL
USA - Argentina 104-64
USA won the Gold at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They smashed Argentina 104-64 in the Big Final to take the first place. The Silver medal belongs to Argentina. It is important to mention that both teams booked a ticket for the next FIBA U17 World Championship. Aaron Gordon (96) shined in USA with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Jahlil Okafor-Benton (96) also was great adding 18 points and 14 boards. Jabari Parker (95) had 14 pts and 7 rebounds, while Justin Jackson (95) added 13 pts to this victory. In Argentina, Alvaro Merlo (170-G-95) delivered 14 pts. Gabriel Deck (195-F-95) had 10 points and 9 boards.
USA started the game strongly making 30-17 lead in the first ten minutes. Nothing has changed after that as USA created 24-13 in the second period for plus 24 at the HT. It was already clear who will take the Gold at this event and second half was just the formality (24-21, 26-13).
USA was the winner of Group B in Cancun with perfect 3-0. They eliminated Canada in the Semis.
Places 3-4
Canada - Puerto Rico 86-65
Canada won the Bronze in Cancun. They outplayed Puerto Rico 86-65 to win this medal at the U16 FIBA Americas championship. Thanks to this victory Canada also booked a spot for the next U17 FIBA World championship. Canada had six players with double-digits in scoring. The leading one was Kevin-Mbezela Zabo (186-G) with 16 pts. Patrick Steeves (95) had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Christopher McComber (95) added 11 pts and 15 rebs. In the loosing squad, William Cruz (180-G-95) delivered 18 points and Jairo Velez (95) stopped to 11 pts.
Canada had wonderful beginning as they made 26-7 lead in the first ten minutes. They continued with 14-11 after that and 23-16 in Q3. At that time it was already clear that Canada will take the Bronze at this event. They slowed down after that and Puerto Rico made 23-31 in the last ten minutes. Of course, that was not enough even for a small treat and Canada celebrated valuable 86-65 victory at the end.
Places 5-6
Chile - Brazil 54-62
Brazil was better than Chile 62-54 winning the fifth place in Cancun. Brazil ended the U16 FIBA Americas championship with two wins. Chile is No.6 at this event. Lucas Dias (96) shined in Brazil with double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds. Luis Ricci (95) scored 10, while Humberto Gomes (96) and Lucas Garcia (95) netted 9 points each. In defeat, Martin Pino (95) collected 14 points and 7 rebounds. Matias Sepulveda (96) and Ricardo Cardenas (95) had 13 and 11 points respectively.
Brazil dominated in the second and last quarter, what was enough for the victory at the end. Chile started with 12-9 and Brazil made 7-15 in the second period. Chile was better in Q3 again (21-18) and everything was still open. However, Lucas Dias and his teammates shined when it mattered most and finished last period with 14-20 for the final 54-62 victory.
Places 7-8
Costa Rica - Mexico 66-76
Mexico avoided last place at the U16 FIBA Americas championship in Cancun. They outplayed Costa Rica 76-66 for the first victory at this event. Costa Rica on the other side, finished as No.8 winless. Omar De Haro (95) shined for the hosts with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Bryan Rivera (95) followed him with 20 points and 7 boards. Third scorer in victory was Uriel Beltran (96) with 9 points. CRC got 24 points and 12 rebounds from Milton Jimenez (95). Adrian Chavarria (96) scored 13 and Henry Sanchez (95) added three points less.
Mexico started the game with 15-19 lead. However, Costa Rica replied with 19-15 in Q2 tying the score at the HT. Mexico drastically improved after the breather making 16-24 in Q3. They won the last quarter as well (16-18) for the final 66-76 victory.
