XALAPA (Mexico) - The FIBA U16 Americas Championship tipped off from Xalapa, Mexico on Monday with four games across both Groups A and B. This was the first of four games in group play for each team participating in the event. Here’s three takeaways from the first day of the tournament:

United States and Dominican Republic look like early favorites

Yes, it’s only the first day, but the dominating performances put forth by DOM and USA certainly caught the eyes of many.

The Dominican Republic cruised past Chile 107-54 as Steven Ceballo scored 19 points off the bench and Yeison Daniel Liberato Pimentel dropped 16 on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting. Overall, it was a balanced offensive outing for DR with six total players scoring in double figures and every player who touched the court adding at least one field goal.

Meanwhile, the United States were led by Ronald Dewayne Holland II, who dropped 24 points on 11-of-15 shooting. They also received big outings from Bryson Ansell Tucker (17 points), Liam Thomas McNeeley (14 points) and Jalen Rashad Lewis (14 points). Even more impressive than their offensive performance and their own balance, was a defense that forced 36 turnovers and scored a ridiculous 44 points off those takeaways.

It will be awfully difficult for teams to take down these two clubs if they play as sound and effective as they did on day one.

Mikkel Tyne can’t carry Canada on his own

The 5-foot-10, 16-year-old guard from Huntington Prep (USA) was practically unstoppable in Canada’s loss to Argentina. He scored 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, drilled half of his 3’s and showed off his effective playmaking skills, both in transition and in the half court.

However, Tyne cannot do it all if Canada wants to earn a high seed and advance far in the bracket. Because of his absurdly high usage rate and the fact that he always had the ball in his hands, Tyne had seven turnovers and wasn’t able to successfully navigate Argentina’s defense late in the game.

Only one other player on Canada’s roster scored in double figures. That helped Argentina effectively double team and force the ball out of the hands of Tyne down the stretch.

Brazil’s interior presence can carry their team

26 offensive rebounds. 19 second chance points. 38 points in the paint.

Those were Brazil’s statistics inside the paint in their win over Mexico, 69-59. It was a particularly impressive performance given they are essentially playing on the road and also are playing against 6-foot-9 Mexican big man Gabriel Moreno at center.

Brazil played with no fear, though. While point guard Enrico Bianchi led the team with 22 points, power forward Enrico Vicentini Borio was superb as he put up 19 points and grabbed 15 boards.

While this club may not have the fire power of the Dominican Republic and the United States, their interior prowess could be a problem as we advance deeper in the event.

 FIBA