USA 124, Guinea 49
View the USA-Guinea box score here.
The second of three FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup Group B games for the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s U17 National Team saw the red, white and blue defeat Guinea 124-79 on Sunday in Istanbul. The U.S. (2-0) sits atop of Group B with one matchup remaining (vs. China on July 2) before the knockout games begin.
TEAM NOTES
Sometimes, Well, He Eats You: The USA has now scored 120-or-more points in eight games in their FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup history. Before tonight’s 124-point explosion, the last occurrence came against Lebanon (120-44 on 7/2/22). Additionally, the U.S. reset their FIBA U17 record with 40 assists in the game (previous was 36 vs. Egypt in 2010).
Well, They Finally Did It: The USA trotted out the same starters as they did against France in today’s matchup with Guinea. The combo of Brandon McCoy Jr., JJ Mandaquit, AJ Dybantsa, Koa Peat and Cameron Boozer scored 58 of the USA’s 124 points. Through two games, the American starters are responsible for 55.3% of the total scoring output (126 of 228).
The Dude Abides: In back-to-back games, the USA earned a 10-point advantage in the opening minutes of the first quarter. Tonight, the U.S. led 13-2 at the 6:37 mark after a Peat dunk (as part of a 19-0 scoring run). Yesterday, against France, the 10-point edge came with 2:04 left in the first frame. So far, the Americans have outscored their opponent by at least 10 points in six of eight quarters played.
You know, a lotta ins, a lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous: It was a team effort for the U.S. against Guinea. The Americans feasted at the rim with a staggering 80 points in the paint. By forcing 38 turnovers in the mean, an impressive 66 points came in transition. The USA reserves made the most of their time on the court with 66 bench points in the contest.
PLAYER NOTES
What Do You Do For Recreation?: To no surprise, Dybantsa put together another highlight reel effort. In a flurry of moves and dazzling dunks, the Boston native led the team with 19 points in the game (13 of which came in the first half). He is averaging 19.0 points on 70.0% (14-20 FG).
It Really Tied The Room Together: Dishing dimes was the recipe for success (hence the new FIBA U17 assists in a game record). Eleven of the 12 American athletes lent a helper, with Mandaquit and Tyran Stokes leading the way with 6 assists apiece.
Hey, This Is A Private Residence, Man: Defensively, the Americans were locked in. The U.S. had 24 steals in the game with Cameron Boozer (6), Stokes (3), Cayden Boozer (2), Dybantsa (2), Mandaquit (2), Jalen Haralson (2), Jordan Smith Jr. (2) and Jaden Toombs (2) recording more than one.
What's Next
A game recap will be published on usab.com.
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