USA - USA win U18 crown over Canada

COLORADO SPRINGS (FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women) - The United States produced a stunning team effort to beat Canada 87-52 in the gold medal game of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women.

Doug Bruno`s side boasts a 28-2 record in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship and they had already claimed gold on three previous occasions since 1998 before Sunday's triumph. Tina Charles poured in 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and the all-around team effort was aided by 12 points each from Victoria Baugh, Maya Moore and Khadijah Rushdan.

"It was a total team effort and a 40-minute effort," said Bruno. "It came on both sides of the ball, the patchy play that we experienced before was gone. We've been winning, but we've been patchy. It was a total effort, total sharing, total half-court and full-court execution. It was a great team win to be part of."

Argentina picked up the bronze medal after a 73-69 overtime win over South American rivals Brazil. That game finished 60-60 at the end of regular time.

Sthefany Thomas Diaz top scored for Argentina with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six steals - 20 of her points came as Argentina dominated in the first half.

"There is only gold, silver, and bronze, and we wanted to get third place," said Thomas. "We felt like we were better than them, we have the bigger heart, we could do it, and we did it. I'm very proud of my team-mates."

Paraguay clinched fifth place after a comfortable 70-48 win over Puerto Rico.

By PA Sport
Exclusively for FIBA