USA Open 2023 FIBA Women's U16 Americas Championship With Victory Over Puerto Rico

14 June 2023

USA 124, PUR 39

The U.S. women took center stage on Tuesday, starting the journey towards a seventh FIBA U16 Americas Championship gold medal. After witnessing the American men capture their eighth-straight gold medal at the Men’s U16 Americas Championship, the women will look to do the same and are off to a hot start after a 124-39 victory over Puerto Rico at Poliforum Zamná in Mérida, Mexico.

The U.S. (1-0 in Group A) improved to 5-0 all-time against Puerto Rico and 37-1 overall at the competition.

The USA-Puerto Rico box score is available here.

TEAM NOTES

Off and Running: The USA's 124 points marked their highest-scoring opener at a Women’s U16 Americas Championship since 2009 (128 points vs. DOM).

Tale of the Turnovers: The Americans won the turnover battle against Puerto Rico. The U.S. gave the ball away 15 times while forcing 36 Puerto Rico turnovers. The team finished with 56 points off those Puerto Rican miscues.

Everyone Eats: All USA athletes scored against Puerto Rico, with six totaling 10-plus. The American offense found success attacking the rim with 84 points coming in the paint. The U.S. bench also contributed 62 points.

Hot Shot: The U.S. shot 53.1% (52-98 FG) from the floor, 29.4% (5-17 3FG) from 3-point range and 60.0% (15-25 FT) from the line. Puerto Rico shot 25.0% (14-56 FG) from the field, 23.1% (6-26 3FG) from three and 38.5% (5-13 FT) from the line.

PLAYER NOTES

New Jerzy: Jerzy Robinson led the U.S. in scoring with 21 points (8-17 FG, 5-6 FT). She also recorded five rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes.

Third Quarters a Charm: Trinity Jones caught fire in the third quarter. Offensively she registered 13 of her 19 points while also defending the rim with two blocks in the frame.

It Takes All 12: The team had contributions across the entire roster, seeing every player score and six finish in double figures. Robinson, Jones, Lanie Grant (12), McKenna Woliczko (12), Hailee Swain (10) and Dee Alexander (10) scored 10-or-more points.