Last night, USA captured another FIBA championship with a 94-77 win over Canada. The 17 point win was the closest game the USA played in the tournament.
USA was led by Chris Livingston’s 23 points. Livingston was named tournament MVP. For the tournament, Livingston averaged 14.8 points and 8 rebounds a game. Livingston joins a prestigious list of USA U16 MVP’s. Bradley Beal (2009), Jabari Parker (2011), Malik Newman (2013), Gary Trent Jr. (2015) and Vernon Carey Jr. (2017) all won the honor.
Congrats out to Chris Livingston, the 2019 #FIBAU16Americas MVP! ?#USABMU16 pic.twitter.com/egUQV0q7T4
— USABJNT (@usabjnt) June 10, 2019
“Chris’ motor and his energy and effort were contagious, and we saw that when we got to the tournament,” said Jones.
The formula was what it’s been the entire tournament, fast pace, low turnovers, and dominate the boards. USA did all three pushing the pace with their defense while only committing eight turnovers on offense. USA outrebounded Canada 57-40.
After a close first quarter, USA broke away with a 27-15 second quarter. Canada never recovered as the USA would have a 15 point lead going into the fourth quarter.
? The #FIBAU16Americas 2019 CHAMPION: @usabasketball ??! ?
? https://t.co/92nZvJgUXx
? https://t.co/CYYbHtTX3k pic.twitter.com/2bBWu1RYkF— FIBA (@FIBA) June 10, 2019
Notes:
- USA advanced to the gold medal game with wins over Puerto Rico (102-51) and Argentina (90-58) in the knockout stage.
- This is USA’s third-straight gold medal victory over Canada in FIBA Americas U16 play
- All-Star Five:
Ryan Nembhard (CAN)
Caleb Houstan (CAN)
Jean Montero (DOM)
Christopher Livingstone (USA)
Jalen Duren (USA)
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