United States To Play For Bronze, Falls to France in Semifinals, 89-86

01 July 2023

USA 86, FRA 89

The United States will play for the bronze medal at the U19 Men’s World Cup after falling in a heartbreaker to France, 89-86, on Saturday in Debrecen, Hungary. The lead changed 12 times, in a matchup that was within two possessions for much of the game.

The United States will face either Spain or Turkey in Sunday's bronze medal game. The time for that game has yet to be announced. All games are streamed on FIBA's YouTube channel.

The USA-France box score is available here.

TEAM NOTES

Starting Out: For the first time this tournament, the United States used a familiar starting lineup, employing the same starting five as it did in its win versus Japan on Friday night. Kylan Boswell, Cody Williams, Tobe Awaka, Tre Johnson and Omaha Biliew got the start.

On the Boards: The U.S. outrebounded France 40-29, including 15-5 on the offensive end. It’s yet to lose a rebounding battle during this tournament.

Off the Bench: The U.S. dominated points off the bench, topping the French 45-18. Mark Armstrong, who led the team in scoring, notched 17 points off the bench.

PLAYER NOTES

Awaka Does It Again: Awaka notched his fourth double-double of the tournament, (Slovenia – 14 points/11 rebounds; China – 15 points/14 rebounds; Japan – 14 points/10 rebounds) with 14 points and 11rebounds. It’s the fifth U.S. double-double of the tournament (Ven-Allen Lubin’s 11 points and 11 rebounds vs. Slovenia).

High Scorers: Dylan Harper and Boswell earned tournament highs in points versus France. Harper scored 14 (10, Slovenia) while Boswell contributed 11 (10, Madagascar).

Boswell Steals Five: Boswell's five steals versus France tied Mark Armstrong (five, Madagascar) for the team-high. The U.S. had 17 total points from turnovers.

Rejected by Newell: Asa Newell recorded three blocks against France, marking his third game with three-plus rejections. Newell leads the team in blocks (13) and ranks fourth in the category amongst all players at the event.