USA Improve to 2-0 at FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup With Win Over Puerto Rico

18 June 2024

USA 102, Puerto Rico 22

View the USA-Puerto Rico box score here.

The United States continued Group B play today at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup with a 102-22 victory over Puerto Rico at Coliseo Bicentenario in Bucaramanga, Colombia.

Today’s game marked the 10th between the United States and Puerto Rico in U18 women’s competition. The Americans improved to 10-0 all-time. The 80-point win is the USA’s first in Women’s U18 competition since 2008, a 116-36 decision also vs. Puerto Rico.

The United States will face Mexico Wednesday in the final Group B game at 1:40 p.m. ET.

TEAM NOTES

If It Ain’t Broke: Employing the same starting line up from game 1 – Sienna Betts, Jasmine Davidson, Joyce Edwards, Kayleigh Heckel and Jordan Lee – the USA once again ran out to a strong start and big lead. Through the game’s first 5:31, the American starters outscored Puerto Rico 21-3 with the opposition’s first points coming on an and-1 about 5 minutes into the game.

Painting a Masterpiece: In the first half, the United States scored 36 of their 58 points in the paint and hit 64.5% (20-31 FG) of their attempts from 2-point range. They added 12 points at the free throw line before halftime. For the game, they totaled 66 points in the paint (60.7% 2-point).

Defense to Offense, and Then Some: The USA’s defense forced 26 Puerto Rico turnovers and a total shooting mark of 12.1% (7-58 FG). As a result, the U.S. converted 35 fast break points and scored 31 points off Puerto Rico’s miscues. All 12 USA players scored in today’s game, including five with 10+ apiece.

The third quarter saw the Americans blank Puerto Rico 25-0 to take an 83-20 advantage into the final period. In fact, Puerto Rico’s first points of the second half came with 4:59 to play in the fourth quarter as the U.S. led 94-22 following the layup. The USA outscored Puerto Rico 44-2 in the second half.

PLAYER NOTES

Edwards Elite: Edwards poured in 12 first half points en route to becoming the game’s scoring leader with 16 total (7-13 FG, 2-5 FT). She added 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the week to go along with 3 steals and 2 blocks in 15 minutes.

You Betts-Ya: Betts picked up exactly where she left off yesterday, contributing her second double-double of the tournament. She had 10 points (5-6 FG), 9 rebounds (4 OR) and 2 blocks in 11 minutes as the U.S. took a 58-20 lead to the halftime locker room, and totaled 14 points and 11 rebounds on the day.

In two games, she averages 13.0 points and 12.0 rebounds.

C’Mon Kayleigh: Like Betts, Heckel was feeling it early on. For the second consecutive game, she hoisted double figures in the first half, today with 10. En route to 14 total points (6-10 FG, 2-3 FT), she added 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks in 20 minutes.