The U.S. Men's U16 National Team to Play for Gold; Down Puerto Rico in Semifinals

11 June 2023

USA 122, PUR 63

Behind 81 points from the starting five, the U.S. secured its spot in the 2023 FIBA Men's U16 Americas Championship gold-medal game with a 122-63 semifinal victory over Puerto Rico on Saturday at Poliforum Zamná in Mérida, Mexico.

The U.S. carry an all-time 42-0 record and will attempt to win their eighth-straight gold at the competition.

The Americans will face the winner of Canada vs. Argentina semifinal. The championship will tip at 10:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

The USA-Puerto Rico box score is available here.

TEAM NOTES

Fast Five: The starting lineup of Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, JJ Mandaquit, Koa Peat and Darryn Peterson have been the catalyst for the USA's winning ways. The quintet was responsible for 81 points against Puerto Rico - the most at a game this tournament (second is 74 vs. Uruguay on 6/9/23).

Finishing Strong: Puerto Rico gave the U.S. an early battle. The first quarter saw the Puerto Ricans own the lead for just over two minutes. However, the final 20 minutes was all USA. The U.S. opened the third quarter with a 20-4 run (82-46) and followed with a 24-4 run (106-52) that carried into the fourth quarter, sealing Puerto Rico's fate.

Chasing History: The 2023 edition of the USA Men's U16 National Team is in contention to break several team records. Marks that are in jeopardy to fall include points per game (currently 115.2; record 116.8 in 2021), field-goal percentage (currently 56.1%; record 56.9% in 2017) and total steals (currently 107; record of 119 in 2021).

Pertinent Percentages: The U.S. shot 55.9% (52-93 FG) from the floor and 53.3% (16-30 FT) from the line. Puerto Rico shot 34.3% (24-70 FG) from the field and 63.6% (7-11 FT) from the line.

PLAYER NOTES

Pikes Peat: Peat has delivered all tournament and was a major factor in the USA's semifinal victory. With nearly a double-double at halftime (16 points, nine rebounds), the captain finished with 29 points to go with 14 rebounds in 22 minutes. The double-double was his second of the tournament (13 points & 15 rebounds vs. Argentina on 6/6/23).

DP Being DP: Showing his full offensive arsenal, Peterson had another fantastic showing for the USA. He finished as the second-leading scorer for the U.S. with 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting in 20 minutes. Tonight marked his second time scoring 20-plus points for the red, white and blue (22 points vs. Puerto Rico on 6/5/23).

Club 15: Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa were two of the four Americans to score at least 10-points. Cameron Boozer finished the game with 15 points and nine rebounds while Dybantsa turned in 15 points and four boards.