ST CATHARINES (FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018) – The FIBA U18 Americas U18 Championship Group Phase is over and the Quarterfinals are set, following victories from Argentina, Dominican Republic, USA and Canada on Day 3 of the continental championship.

Argentina ended the Group Phase with a 2-1 record, following an 82-61 win over Ecuador. Ecuador had a better start and took a slight advantage on the scoreboard, but the Argentinians took over with a 27-12 third quarter and headed to the win. Led offensively by 17 points from Juan de la Fuente, the Argentinians celebrated the win and finished with the second position of Group B. Michael Moncayo led the way for the Ecuadorians with 16 points.

Dominican Republic celebrated for the first time at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship following a 90-54 win over Panama. The Dominicans took the lead early and never let go of the difference, with 52% shooting from the field and clear dominance in the paint. Harasme and Bonilla led the scoring for the Dominicans with 15 points each.

Dominant as accustomed, USA finished the Group Phase with a 3-0 record, thanks to a 115-71 win over Puerto Rico. With a well-rounded offensive, USA jumped to a 31-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Shooting over 50% from the field and with clear dominance on the boards, USA kept adding to the difference. Puerto Rico settled into the game and looked good on some passages, but the powerhouse kept adding in the road to the Quarterfinals. Quentin Grimes led the scoring for the team coached by Bill Self with 18 points.

Canada took the top spot of Group B following a 97-60 win over Chile. Chile fought evenly during the first quarter, but the home team took over and dominated. With brilliant moments the canadians kept adding to the lead with clear dominase of the boards and the paint. Andrew Nembhard led the way for Canada with 19 points.

On the Quarterfinals of the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018:
Dominican Republic vs Argentina
Puerto Rico vs Chile
USA vs Ecuador
Panama vs Canada

The winners will advance to the FIBA U18 Americas  Semi-Finals and will earn a ticket to the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2019.

FIBA