FIBA U16 Americas 2023: Record-breaking USA crush Canada for 8th undefeated title, Puerto Rico grab bronze
United States set a number of scoring records in crushing Canada 118-36 to win the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2023 for their eighth undefeated title. Puerto Rico beat Argentina for bronze.
United States remained the dominant class of the continent as they set a number of scoring records in crushing Canada 118-36 to win the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2023 - USA’s eighth consecutive undefeated run to the crown. Puerto Rico knocked off Argentina 86-76 to grab third place - the second time Puerto Rico reached the podium.
Here is an updated look at the all-time medalists at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship.
Brazil finish fifth (again), Mexico take 7th
Brazil once again finished their U16 Americas tournament on a high note - albeit after another major disappointment as they knocked Dominican Republic 71-56 to take fifth place. This was Brazil’s sixth appearance in the competition and it was the sixth time Brazil finished fifth - one spot behind the top four who qualified for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. Mathias Vazqueuz and Matheus Monteiro both scored 15 points and Fabricio De Freitas added 9 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks. Lucas Morillo had 16 points in the loss.
Hosts Mexico grabbed their first win as they beat Uruguay 79-61 to take 7th place. Karim Lopez had a monster game with 32 points, 20 rebounds and 3 blocks to lead Mexico. Joaquin Taboada had 25 points in the defeat.
Puerto Rico down Argentina for second bronze
Third place at the tournament went to Puerto Rico, who beat Argentina 86-76 in overtime to take the country’s second bronze following 2017. Puerto lost a 14-point third quarter lead but still managed to come out on top. Felipe Quinones poured in 28 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals and Rognny Santiago and Alexander Montes both scored 12 points in the win. Joaquin Samiento picked up 23 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.
Record-breaking USA dominate Canada to win 8th straight U16 Americas crown
The winner of the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2023 is the same as the champion of the first seven editions of this competition as United States crushed Canada 118-36 in a record breaking Final. USA were never challenged and improved to 43-0 all-time in the history of this event dating back to 2009.
USA forced 32 Canada turnovers, resulting in 47 points and the Americans scoring 47 fast break points. They also dominated the glass 73-37 including 31 offensive rebounds which turned into 35 second chance points. Canada also shot just 18 percent from the field.
Cameron Boozer led six USA players in double figures with 24 points and had 12 rebounds while Tyran Stokes had 15 points, Darryn Peterson 13 points and 7 rebounds, AJ Dybantsa 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Jayden Quaintance chipped in 10 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Jordan Charles was Canada’s top scorer with 8 points.
A number of records were broken in this USA performance:
the most points scored in a quarter - 45 in the first quarter, breaking the previous mark of 42 by USA vs Puerto Rico in 2021.
fewest points allowed in a Final - 36, eclipsing the 48 scored by Argentina in the 2013 title game.
the 118 points scored is the most in a Final, topping USA’s 111 points in 2017 finale (111-60) versus Canada.
the 82-point winning margin was the largest in a Final, besting USA’s 51-point win in 2017 over Canada.
One more record was nearly broken.
The 4 points by Canada in the third quarter were the second-fewest in a Final - that record actually belongs to USA, who trailed 19-3 in the 2015 final vs Canada.
Canada actually scored the first 5 points of the game and then they absolutely crumbled against the USA pressure. Canada committed turnover after turnover in watching USA put together a 27-2 run to lead 27-7. The first quarter ended with USA on top 45-13 and Canada had 12 turnovers - 10 of which occurred before they even crossed the timeline. Things just went downhill from there with Canada scoring 10 points in the second quarter and just 13 total in the second half.
Cameron Boozer named MVP
It was no surprise that United States had two members of the All-Star Five as Cameron Boozer was named Most Valuable Player.
Boozer was joined on the All-Star Five by teammate Darryn Peterson, Paul Osaruyi from second-placed Canada, Felipe Quinones from third placed Puerto Rico and Ivan Prato from fourth place Argentina.
Here are the statiscal leaders for the tournament
Karim Lopez of Mexico finished the tournament with 32 points and 20 rebounds in the 7th place game to lead tournament in scoring at 20.5ppg. Fabrio De Freitas of Brazil was the top rebounder (12.5rpg) and Kamai Samuels of Canada was the leader in assists (5.3apg).
Most dominating USA performance in U16 Americas history
This ended up being the most dominant performance by USA in a U16 Americas tournament as their average winning margin was 64.0 points, besting the previous mark of 57.6 in 2017.
Here a breakdown of average winning margin by tournament:
2009: 33.8 points
2011: 42.2
2013: 53.4
2015: 43.0
2017: 57.6
2019: 38.2
2021: 48.7
2023: 64.0
All-time, United States improved to 43-0 and here is a breakdown of winning margins by games:
Wins by points:
10-19: 5
20-29: 6
30-39: 3
40-49: 8
50-59: 9
60-69: 4
70-79: 6
80-89: 1
90-99: 1
Closest game: 15 points - 101-87 2009 Final vs ARG
Biggest blowout: 99 points - 130-31 2013 vs MEX