USA 120, NZL 64
View the USA-New Zealand box score here.
The USA Basketball Men’s U19 National Team will have a shot at the gold medal by advancing to the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup Final after a 120-64 semifinals victory over New Zealand in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The U.S. are set to face Germany, who defeated Slovenia 84-72 in the other semifinals game, on Sunday, July 6, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Postgame Notes
Under Pressure: In each of the five games the U.S. has defeated their opponent by at least double-figures, the Americans have forced more than 20 turnovers. The most turnovers forced (37) in a game was vs. Jordan while tonight, New Zealand fumbled away 21. The USA opponents are averaging 23.8 turnovers when playing the red, white and blue.
Ay-Oh: New Zealand played in their first U19 semifinals game tonight. The U.S. and the Junior Tall Blacks have played once before tonight in U19 action, a 111-72 victory for the red, white and blue in 2019. That game was the first of seven wins en route to the gold medal in Greece.
A Kind of Magic: For the fourth time this tournament, Caleb Holt scored 10+ points, adding a team-high 20 points and 7 rebounds. Elsewhere on the roster, Jasper Johnson finished the game with 14 points, with 12 coming in the first half (3-4 3FGM); Tyran Stokes had 12 points and 3 assists; Mikel Brown Jr. recorded 11 points and 6 assists; and AJ Dybantsa finished with 10 points and 3 rebounds.
Don’t Stop Me Now: The USA is the only team to average 100+ points per game (115.5 ppg) this tournament, and the current streak of five games over the century mark is best in U19 history. Tonight’s 120-point showing set the U19 record for most points in a semifinal game. Two other semifinal games in competition history have seen a team score 100+, both being the U.S. (102-67 vs. Lithuania in 2019; 100-60 vs. Lithuania in 2013).
We Will Rock You: New Zealand entered tonight’s game as the top rebounding team in the tournament by averaging 50 boards per game (18.4 orpg, 31.6 drpg). The USA emphasized their play off the glass and held New Zealand to 35 total rebounds (13 oreb, 22 dreb). The Americans won the battle on the glass, 50-35.
The Show Must Go On: Including tonight, the U.S. has played in the U19 semifinals round 14 times (seventh consecutive). The Americans carry a 12-2 record in those games. With a 56-point win tonight, the USA surpassed the previous largest semifinals margin of victory (40), which came in 2013 as the USA defeated Lithuania 100-60. However, seven semifinals final scores have been decided by two possessions or less (the U.S. is 6-1 in those games).
What's Next
Final | USA vs. Germany | July 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET | Courtside 1891
A game recap will be published on usab.com.
Important Links: USA Basketball Media Information | USA Basketball Photo Portal