USA Improve to 2-0 at FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup With Record-Tying Win Over Puerto Rico

15 July 2024

USA 121, AUSTRALIA 36

The United States continued Group C play with a 121-36 victory over Puerto Rico at the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup at the Inforum in Irapuato, Mexico. For the second straight game, all 12 U.S. players scored in the win.

Today’s game marked the first-ever matchup between the teams in the U17 World Cup competition. The 85-point win ties the U.S. Women’s U17 record for largest margin of victory (85 vs. South Korea, 2022)

The Americans (2-0) sit atop Group C with one matchup remaining before the round of 16 begins. It will be another first-time meeting on Sunday for the USA, facing Croatia for the first time in U17 play.

View the USA-Australia box score here.

TEAM NOTES

Strong Start: The Americans came out quick against Puerto Rico. The USA built an 18-2 lead halfway through the opening frame. The offensive excellence was capped with 39 first quarter points (14-19 FG, 1-3 3FG, 10-17 FT) while only letting up 7 points.

The USA ended the first half scoring 75 points on 65% shooting (26-40 FG, 7-13 3FG, 16-25 FT). The red, white and blue took a 61-point advantage into the locker room.

A Work Of Art: In the first half, the United States scored 38 points in the paint and hit 70.37% (19-27 FG) of their attempts from 2-point range. They added 16 points at the free-throw line before halftime. For the game, they totaled 64 points in the paint (66% 2-point).

From Way Downtown: With 10 3-point makes (10-25 3FG) vs. Puerto Rico, the U.S. has matched the USA women’s U17 record for 3-point makes in a game (10, vs. Mexico 5/2/14, 10, vs. Canada 7/18/10). Lanie Grant led the way, connecting on 4-of-9 from distance.

Bench Gang: After enjoying a 40-point outing from the bench against Australia, the American reserves poured in 65 points and registered 41 rebounds against Puerto Rico.

Defensive Excellence: The USA’s defense forced 29 Puerto Rico turnovers and a total shooting mark of 16.7% (11-66 FG). As a result, the U.S. converted 26 fast break points and scored 41 points off Puerto Rico’s miscues.

PLAYER NOTES

Jordyn Rules: Off the bench, Jordyn Palmer had her way in the first half, scoring 17 points (6-8 FG, 2-2 3FG, 3-5 FT) to go along with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Palmer ended with a game-high 20 points (7-10 FG, 2-2 3FG, 4-7 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

Cashing In: Jerzy Robinson continued to make a living at the free throw line. She cashed in on 8-of-10 free throws to tie JuJu Watkins (2022) and Kaela Davis (2012) for the most makes and attempts in a game by an American at the event.

She set the competition record for free throw makes (27) by an American on her way to gold last year at the 2023 FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup with the USA U16 National Team.

Double-Figures: The U.S. had five players finish with 10 or more points. In addition to Palmer (20) and Robinson (15), Grant (15), Addison Bjorn (14) and Hailee Swain (10) logged at least 10 points apiece.