USA Defeat Croatia, Finish 3-0 Through Group Play at U17 Women’s World Cup

17 July 2024

USA 123, Croatia 42

The USA (3-0) secured an unbeaten record in Group C at the 2024 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup after a 123-42 victory over Croatia on Tuesday in Irapuato, Mexico. For the second straight game, the American’s won by 80+ points.

The entire field advances to the next round of the competition, which begins Wednesday with the Round of 16. The USA will face Egypt in the Round of 16, the fourth-place finisher in Group D.

View the USA-Croatia box score here.

TEAM NOTES

Stole The Show: The USA set a new FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup record with 30 steals against Croatia. Jordyn Palmer led with 6 takeaways while Jacy Abii (5) and Addison Bjorn (4) followed. Eleven U.S. players logged at least one steal.

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.

Game of Runs: In the midst of an early six-point deficit, the USA used a 10-0 run to take a 24-15 advantage into the second quarter. The Americans forced 6 turnovers and held Croatia scoreless in the last 2:11 of the frame.

The momentum continued throughout the second period when the USA gained a 27-point lead after Hailee Swain, Lanie Grant and Palmer had three straight steals that resulted in 7 points. The USA went into the break leading 58-30.

The United States’ largest run occurred in the final quarter when they scored 37 unanswered points to close out the game.

Locked In on Leon: In their last two games, the USA locked down on defense, allowing 39 points per game on 18% shooting from the floor (22-116 FG, 6-41 3FG). The U.S. forced 29 turnovers and 18 steals on Sunday and followed that effort with 29 forced turnovers and 30 steals today.

PLAYER NOTES

Locked In Lanie: Grant shined for the USA and put together her best performance of the tournament thus far. In the first half, she scored 13 points while converting 55% from the field (5-9 FG) and 50% (3-6 3FG) from beyond the arc. Eleven of her 13 first half points came in the second quarter.

Grant finished with 17 points (7-12 FG, 3-7 3FG), 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Hailee Has It: Swain recorded her second consecutive double-digit scoring performance with 17 points (6-12 FG, 4-5 FT). She also finished with 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Stepping It Up: In the first three games, the USA has seen strong outings from their reserves. Ivanna Wilson Manyacka continued the pace, scoring 21 points on an efficient 72% (8-11 FG) from the field. The American reserves poured in 63 points and saw three double-digit scorers.

That’s Just Jordyn: Following her 20-point outing Sunday night, Palmer put together another all-around effort for the United States. She recorded 9 points (4-9 FG, 1-2 3FG), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals and 3 blocks. She is the first U.S. player to record 5+ steals in a game since Breya Cunningham (2022).