USA celebrate title in Valdivia

FINAL

USA - Canada 99-84
The USA repeated as FIBA Americas champions. They overcame their North American rivals Canada in the title game in Valdivia. Markelle Fultz (195-SG-98) stepped up with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the champions. The USA eked out a narrow 48:44 halftime lead. They used a 27:19 run in the third term to boost the lead. The USA sank 24 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Paul Washington (208-C) provided 19 points for the winners. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (195-G-98) answered with 25 points for Canada.

3-4 Place

Brazil - Puerto Rico 59-58
Brazil stepped onto the pedestal in Valdivia. They snatched a narrow victory over Puerto Rico to earn the Bronze medals. Lucas Pereira (203-PF-98) delivered 16 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Puerto Rico recorded a 28:25 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 4-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. However Brazil triggered a 17:12 run in the fourth frame to snatch the win. Michael Uchendu (206-F/C-98) provided 12 points for the winners. Leandro Allende (198-SF-97) answered with 15 points for Puerto Rico.

5-6 Place

Chile - Argentina 68-73
Argentina overcame Chile to celebrate the fifth overall position at the championship. Argentina piled up a 42:33 halftime lead. Chile narrowed the distance in the second half but came up short of victory at the end. Leonardo Lema (201-SF-98), Matias Solanas (192-G-98) and Lautaro Lopez (188-PG-99) had 13 points each for Argentina. Felipe Haase (205-F/C-98) answered with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Chile.

7-8 Place

U.S. Virgin Islands - Dominican Republic 77-63
US Virgin Islands wrapped up their campaign in Valdivia with victory. They overcame Dominican Republic to earn the 7th position. Nicolas Claxton (201-G/F-99) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. US Virgin Islands earned a 38:36 halftime lead. They followed with a strong 25:9 run in the third term to clear off for good. Jahmia Simmons (194-G/F-98) produced 16 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Jose Familia (207-F-98) responded with 15 points and 10 rebounds for Dominican Republic.