USA Pick Up 2024 FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup Win Over Brazil

17 June 2024

USA 97, Brazil 51

View the USA-Brazil box score here.

The United States opened the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup with a 97-51 Group B win over Brazil at Coliseo Bicentenario in Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Today’s game marked the 13th between the United States and Brazil in U18 women’s competition. The Americans improved to 11-2 all-time and have now won 10 straight dating back to 2000.

USA Basketball looks to extend its unblemished U18 mark vs. Puerto Rico to 10 tomorrow 4:10 p.m. ET. USA last bested PUR 93-38 in 2022.

TEAM NOTES

Let’s Begin: The U.S. deployed Sienna Betts, Jasmine Davidson, Joyce Edwards, Kayleigh Heckel and Jordan Lee to start off the game. The first 5 started the contest on a 10-0 run through the 6:27 mark before Brazil got on the scoreboard from the free throw line. The lead extended to 14-2 before Brazil called timeout with 5:48 to play in the opening frame.

Hi, I’m New Here: Ten athletes made their USA Basketball national team debuts today, including Betts, Davidson, Heckel, Madison Francis, Zakiyah Johnson, Lee, Leah Macy, Alivia McGill, Arianna Roberson and Kennedy Smith.

Edwards won gold last summer at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, while Sarah Strong has a pair of gold medals from the 2022 and 2023 FIBA 3x3 U18 Women’s World Cups. Edwards, Lee, Roberson, Smith and Strong represented the USA at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit.

For Threeeeeeeee: With 12 3-pointers (12-31 3FG, 38.7%) vs. Brazil, the U.S. has matched the USA women’s U18 record for 3s in a game (also 12, vs. ARG, 7/28/00). Johnson and Strong hit 3 triples apiece as seven Americans connected on at least 1 shot from range.

Meanwhile, the U.S.’s defense limited Brazil to just 23.1% (18-78 FG) shooting from the field and forced 25 turnovers for 26 USA points.

Mine All Mine: The Americans were selfish on the boards in today’s win, owning an 70-52 advantage on the glass. Their 27 offensive rebounds resulted in 23 second-chance points.

PLAYER NOTES

You Betts Believe: With her big sister, 2024 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup silver medalist Lauren watching courtside, Betts registered nearly a double-double in the first half. She had 10 points (5-6 FG), 9 rebounds (4 OR) and 2 blocks in 11 minutes as the U.S. took a 58-31 lead to the halftime locker room.

Betts finished with 12 points (6-9 FG) and game-highs of 13 rebounds (6 OR) and 4 blocks in 18 minutes.

Heckel’s A Hit: Heckel was one of two Americans in double-figures by halftime. With a team-high baker’s dozen (13 points), she led all scorers and hit 5-of-7 attempts from the field (4-4 FG, 1-3 3FG) and added a pair from the line in 14 minutes. Though scoreless in the second half, Heckel continued to drive the offense and dished a game-best 5 assists while adding 5 rebounds.

Nifty Fifty (Plus): Five Americans finished the game with 10+ points. In addition to Heckel, Smith added 13 for game-high-tying honors. Davidson and Strong added 11 points apiece with Strong also contributing 8 boards, 3 steals and 2 blocks.