U.S. Defeats Mexico; Advances to Quarterfinals at 2023 FIBA Men's U16 Americas Championship

08 June 2023

USA 122, MEX 53

The USA finished atop FIBA Men's U16 Americas Championship Group A with a 3-0 record after securing a 122-53 victory over Mexico at Poliforum Zamná in Mérida, Mexico, on Wednesday.

With the victory, the United States improves to 5-0 all-time against Mexico at the event.

The Americans resume play on Friday with a quarterfinal matchup against Uruguay (0-3 in Group B) at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be the first meeting between the U.S. and Uruguay in U16 competition.

The USA-Mexico box score is available here.

TEAM NOTES

Wire-to-Wire: Less than 24 hours removed from defeating Argentina wire-to-wire (113-52), the U.S. did it again against Mexico. The USA has only trailed for 24 seconds - a single possession - through three games, which occurred at 13-14 in the first quarter versus Puerto Rico.

Overwhelming Reserves: The USA bench outscored the opposition's reserves by at least 25 points in each Group A game. Tonight, the U.S. outscored Mexico's bench by 33 points (52-19). Earlier this week, the USA's reserves outscored Puerto Rico's 35-10 and Argentina's 55-27.

Noteworthy Numbers: The U.S. shot 60.2% (50-83 FG) from the floor and 73.9% (17-23 FT) from the line. Mexico shot 29.7% (19-64 FG) from the field and 25.0% (5-20 FT) from the line.

PLAYER NOTES

Big Block Energy: A defensive stalwart off the bench, Jayden Quaintance continued to protect the rim for the Americans. Through the three Group A games, Quaintance has averaged a tournament-best 3.7 blocks after swatting five against Mexico.

Leading The Way: Four Americans rank in the top 10 in scoring average at the 2023 FIBA Men's U16 Americas Championship. Led by Darryn Peterson (16.0 ppg; 4th), Cameron Boozer (15.3; T-5th), and Koa Peat and AJ Dybantsa (13.7; T-9th). No other federation has more than one player in the top 10.

Keep An Eye On: Leading the USA against Mexico was Dybantsa who scored a game-high 23 points on 11-of-15 shooting to go with five rebounds and six assists.