USA Best Czech Republic to Move on to FIBA U19 Women's World Cup Semifinals

21 July 2023

USA 121, CZE 61

The USA is one step closer to their third straight FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup championship after advancing to the semifinals with a 121-61 victory over Czech Republic on Friday at Palacio de Deportes in Madrid, Spain.

The win improves the U.S. record against Czech Republic to 2-1 all-time in FIBA U19 Women's World Cup play.

The U.S. will face France in the semifinals after they defeated Japan in overtime 80-78 earlier on Friday.

The USA-Czech Republic box score is available here.

TEAM NOTES

Hoops, I Did It Again: The same American starters from the first four games in Madrid took the court first against Czech Republic. Talana Lepolo, Kiki Rice, Cotie McMahon, Chloe Kitts and Grace VanSlooten have been the U.S. starters throughout the competition. The USA has held the lead before the first substitution in each game.

If U Seek Assists: The USA entered the game against the Czech Republic averaging 21.0 assists per game at the U19 Women's World Cup. Tonight, led by Hannah Hidalgo's 13 dimes, the team had 30 assists on 48 made baskets.

Gimme More: Opportunistic as ever, the U.S. capitalized on Czech Republic errors and as a result, scored in bunches. The USA forced 23 turnovers which translated to 35 points, a portion of the 70 American points in the paint.

Till The World (Cup) Ends: The USA shot 55.8% (48-86 FG) from the floor and 73.9% (17-23 FT) from the line. Czech Republic shot just 27.8% (20-72 FG) from the field and 86.9% (20-23 FT) from the charity stripe.

PLAYER NOTES

I Love Pick 'N Roll: Members of the USA frontcourt had strong performances against the Czech Republic. Joyce Edwards scored a game-high 23 points on 10-for-11 shooting. Madison Booker chipped in 14 points and six rebounds. Kitts added 12 points and five rebounds as well.

Work Bench: The USA reserves outscored the Czech Republic nonstarters, 86-20. All seven bench players from the U.S. scored, paced by Edwards' 23 points. Hidalgo recorded the first points-assists double-double for the Americans this tournament with 16 and 13 in her reserve role.

Mind Your Business: The U.S. had 59 rebounds in the game with 22 of them coming on the offensive glass (19 second chance points). Breya Cunningham had a game-high 11 boards and every member of the roster snagged at least one rebound.