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Northwest Notes July 11, 2021

| July 11, 2021 1:00 AM

USA U19 men advance to FIBA U19 World Cup gold medal game

RIGA, Latvia — The USA (6-0) built a 20-point lead in the final quarter en route to a 92-86 victory over Canada (5-1) in the semifinals of the FIBA U19 World Cup.

Incoming Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren totaled 12 points, eight rebounds and six blocked shots for the USA, which plays France today at 9 a.m. PDT in the gold medal game.

“I thought we had a great game today, we left it all out there and I am happy we came out with the win,” Holmgren said. “I’m impressed with our focus. I mean we haven't had much to focus on other than winning this gold, so, we're staying focused. We want the gold, and everyone is coming together to get it.”

Kenneth Lofton Jr. (Louisiana Tech) led the USA in scoring with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field. Mike Miles (TCU) added 15 points, four rebounds and five assists.

The USA led 69-63 after three quarters, then used a 17-0 run to open it up to 88-68.

Canada’s 7-foot-4 Zach Edey had game-highs of 16 points and 16 rebounds.

France (5-1) defeated Serbia (5-1) 75-69 in the other semifinal. It will be the fourth time in the last five FIBA U19 World Cup events (2019, 2015, 2013) that the USA men will play in the gold medal game.