USA U-18 Win the Gold; Beat Brazil 81-78
The US Under-18 Men's Basketball National Team were down heading in the 4th quarter, but put together a 16-5 run to pull ahead 76-72 with a few minutes remaining. The Brazilian squad tied the game up at 78 before Quincy Miller, a 6'9" PF (considering Kentucky, Wake Forest, Georgetown, Oklahoma and Duke) hit the game-winning three-point basket with 25 seconds remaining.
Miller had missed his three previous 3-point attempts, including one air-ball, but found the confidence in himself to take the big shot. "Coach told me to shoot it, so I shot it. I had faith in myself and I made it," Miller said after the game. Miller also added on a team best 12 rebounds.
Other outstanding US performers were Duke-bound guard Kyrie Irving who led the team with 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting, but contributing on the glass (10 rebounds) and accounted for 5 assists. Guard Austin Rivers continued his hot shooting into the finals, knocking down 7-of-12 shots for 19 points. Future-Illinois forward Jereme Richmond collected 17 points and 9 rebounds.
On the Brazilian team, Lucas Nogueira, a 7-foot center put together a fine performance that had some college coaches and NBA scouts drooling. He put up 22 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks in a losing effort. He averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks per game in this five-game tournament; he has signed with Estudiantes.
By Staff Writer Chris Andrews - 7-2-10
