MERIDA, Mexico — There was no miracle in Mexico for the Canadian underdogs at the FIBA Under-16 Women’s Basketball Americas Championship Monday night.
Favorites USA, who were expected to win their fourth consecutive gold medal at the competition, beat Canada 79-59 in a match that was never in doubt.
The Americans, who led 41-20 at halftime, are now 42-1 all-time in the championship game. The United States has eight gold medals, winning 24 consecutive matches.
The United States, who defeated Argentina 112-48 in Sunday’s semifinals, on Monday was led by tournament MVP Jerzy Robinson with 24 points and 14 rebounds. The star of the tournament, Makina Volichko, scored 14 goals, while Lanny Grant scored 11. The United States finished with 55 rebounds.
The 14-year-old Robinson is the youngest player to win the U-16 Americas Player of the Year award.
Canada, who advanced to the final by defeating Puerto Rico 77-49 in the semi-finals on Sunday, got 22 points from Savannah Swords. Chance Perry scored eight points and Denia Brawl added seven. Canada scored just 33.3 percent in the final, while the United States finished 43.1 percent.
Cearah Parchment of Canada was named to the Tournament All-Star Team. The 15-year-old averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.5 steals, and 2.2 assists per game.
Earlier in the day, Argentina beat Puerto Rico 67-58 to win the bronze medal in the seven-day tournament.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 19, 2023.
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