A Clash of Defensive Powerhouses
In the FIBA USA U19 women basketball World Cup the US and Spain also made it to the semi finals. That which was to be a special game saw also the 2023 final replay which the US won that time. Spain known for their unrelenting press which saw them hold opponents to an average of 50.8 points per game went in to try and break the American defense.
Turning Point: Second Quarter Boost.
At the end of the second quarter which saw a tied score for most of the time, the Americans broke free. With a 29-28 lead with over two minutes left in the half, USA’s Jazzy Davidson took over. She hit a mid range jump shot, then scored a transition basket off a steal, and also made a three pointer which sparked a key 9-0 run. Jordan Lee also had her own steal and layup which put the US ahead 38-28 at the break. That burst which saw defense to offense transitions put the other team on their heels. Spain which found themselves down by double digits against what may have been the best defense in the tourney that was a tough task.
Dominance Established: Third Quarter Push Into Action
After the break the US did not waste any time in asserting themselves. They came out of the gate running, went on a 19-6 run in over 5 which put the score at 57-34. Spain could only manage a few field goals, all the while the American hands were active, their rotations swift, and they applied unrelenting ball pressure. Also the USA did a great job at cutting off passing lanes, caused many turnovers and contested every shot which Spain took. At the end of Q3 the score stood at 64-42. That was that for the game really as the US’ defense had demoralized their Spanish counterparts from that point forward.
Spain’s Struggles: Suppressed Offense and Little Response.
Spain did very well until the end of the tournament but against the Americans they were put under a defensive stranglehold. The Spaniards shot only 35% from the field which includes a pitiful 2 for 10 from beyond the arc which in turn is a sign of the USA’s great perimeter defense and their success at containing shooters. Star Maria Anais Rodriguez came up with 14 points and six rebounds but there was no other reliable secondary option. Shaila Nde did very well in the paint with seven rebounds and three blocks but the overall Spanish attack was very disjointed. The lack of open looks and the American guards’ tenacious press which forced them out of their rhythm resulted in a blow out which became apparent mid way through the 2nd quarter and went right to the final buzzer.
Stars Shine: Saniya Hall, Jazzy Davidson, and Jordan Lee.
Saniyah Hall, Jazzy Davidson, and Jordan Lee. Hall led the charge with 16 which came off of efficient shooting and in doing so solidified her role as the go to player when the team required a spark. Davidson had great late second quarter outburst and also was a force in the other end; what she did defensively at times was as good as what Hall did offensively and that made the difference. Lee had by far her best game of the tournament with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Between the three of them they scored 46 of the USA’s 70 points which also saw great defense and timely scoring and leadership from the floor.
The Bigger Picture: A spot in the finals secured.
In the victory over Spain the US locked in a spot in the gold medal game against Australia. That marks the team’s 12th semifinal win in the U19 competition which also sees an 10-2 record for the US in this age group’s play. Now the Americans turn their eye toward a fourth straight gold medal which would add to their illustrious history. Australia will be a tough out with their size and court presence, but the US goes in as the favorites thanks to what they have proven on both ends of the floor.
Looking Ahead: The Australian Challenge.
Australia which qualified for the finals by defeating Canada 87-75 bring a well rounded game and large presence to the gold medal match up. Both teams put up 53.0 rebounds per game leading up to the final but the Americans had the edge in paint protection, efficient inside scoring and also in forcing turnovers. Also known for their effective three point shooting the Aussies will have to weather the unrelenting ball pressure which is a signature of USA basketball. The coming out match will likely come down to which team controls the boards and turns the fewest mistakes into points as well which stars step up in key moments.
USA’s Defensive Identity: The Cornerstone of Success.
Throughout the whole tournament defense has been what the US U19 women’s team is about. They put up only two 20 point quarters which came against France over the course of 24 games. No one has been able to sustain an offensive run against them and even the better teams like Spain and France had trouble. The Americans play tight man to man defense, rotate well and help each other out which is something you don’t see from many youth international teams. Also their mix of athletic ability and smart play means that every shot is contested and every pass broken up. What we are seeing is a team buy in at all levels which is the base of their present great success. 123
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