USA Start 2-0 at 2023 FIBA Men's U16 Americas Championship With Win Over Argentina

07 June 2023

USA 113, ARG 52

The U.S. are off to a 2-0 start at the FIBA Men's U16 Americas Championship after defeating Argentina 113-52 at Poliforum Zamná in Mérida, Mexico on Tuesday.

USA led by seven (20-13) heading into the second quarter but saw their lead balloon to 25 (40-15) with a 20-2 run in the first six minutes of the frame. The team led wire-to-wire and led by 20-or-more points for the entire second half.

The U.S. (2-0 in Group A) improved to 11-0 all-time against Argentina and 39-0 overall in U16 competition.

The box score is available here.

TEAM NOTES

Everyone Eats: The U.S. had a balanced scoring attack similar to their first game against Puerto Rico. Eleven players recorded a score, with five scoring 10+. Of the 41 baskets by the USA, 29 were assisted.

Stealing the Paint: The Americans were aided by dominant play on the inside, finishing with 66 points in the paint and 25 second-chance points. The team also recorded 24 steals, helping lead to 57 points off turnovers. The U.S. finished with their most steals at the competition since 2019 (20 vs. CAN).

Shooting Stats: The U.S. shot 50.0% (41-82 FG) from the floor and 73.5% (25-34 FT) from the line. Argentina shot 32.8% (19-58 FG) from the field and 47.8% (11-23 FT) from the line.

PLAYER NOTES

Peat Down Low: Koa Peat was one point shy of a first half double-double. The U.S. big man had nine points (3-8 FG, 3-4 FT) and 12 rebounds in the first half and finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds to go along with five assists and three steals.

Boozer Boys: Cayden Boozer and Cameron Boozer combined for 32 points (12-19 FG) in tonight's game. Cameron led the team in scoring, finishing with 19 points (7-12 FG, 5-7 FT).

Darryn Does It Again: Darryn Peterson registered his second game in double figures with 12 points in 17 minutes of action. Peterson led the Americans in the first half with 10 points (3-4 FG, 2-2 3FG, 2-2 FT). He added five assists and three steals.

Active Hands: Eleven players contributed a steal in the game. The Boozer twins, Jayden Quaintance, AJ Dybantsa, Peat and Peterson all finished with three steals each.