USA Advances to Quarterfinals at 2023 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup

19 July 2023

USA 112, ARG 36

The USA will play in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup after defeating Argentina 112-36 in the Round of 16 on Wednesday at Sports Complex Espartales in Madrid, Spain. The win improves the U.S.'s record against Argentina to 3-0 at the competition.

The American's foe on Friday, July 21, is the Czech Republic, who defeated Italy 92-84 in the Round of 16.

The USA-Argentina box score is available here.

TEAM NOTES

Maroon 5: The U.S. starting lineup remains consistent with Talana Lepolo, Kiki Rice, Cotie McMahon, Chloe Kitts and Grace VanSlooten. Head coach Joni Taylor has utilized the same starting five in each game this tournament. The USA has held the lead before the first substitution in each game.

Beautiful Mistakes: For the second time this tournament, the USA forced an opponent into 20-or-more turnovers. The Americans took advantage of the Argentinian miscues to the tune of 42 points off of 39 turnovers. The U.S. forced Chinese Taipei into 23 turnovers in group play on July 18.

This Love: The USA shot 50.7% (37-73 FG) from the floor and 65.9% (31-47 FT) from the line. Argentina shot just 20.8% (11-53 FG) from the field and 55.5% (10-18 FT) from the charity stripe.

PLAYER NOTES

Moves Like Jagger: With all her field goals coming from deep range, Allie Ziebell had a terrific shooting night for the USA. Her 20 points was a game-best and 18 of those came on six 3-pointers.

Don't Wanna Know: Outside of Argentina's self-inflicted turnovers, the stingy USA defense saw five players record at least two steals. Leading the way was Hannah Hidalgo and her eight swipes, followed by Lepolo (three), Londynn Jones (two), Kitts (two) and McMahon (two).

Hidalgo's eight set the USA women's U19 record (Linnae Harper, seven vs. Mali in 2013; Sonja Henning, seven vs. Spain in 1989).

Girls Like You: Five U.S. players scored 10-plus points with Ziebell's 20 pacing the squad. Not far behind was Kitts, who nearly had a double-double, of 16 points to go with nine rebounds. VanSlooten had 13 points and six rebounds; Hidalgo scored 12 points to go with six rebounds and five assists and Breya Cunningham chipped in 10 points and five boards.