USA, Australia both advance to semifinals

by Jeff Nusser on Jul 10, 2009 7:28 AM PDT

Not a lot of time to write this morning, but I wanted to pass along the results of last night's games as both Team USA and Australia advanced to the semifinals of the FIBA U19 tournament in New Zealand.

The Americans beat Canada 93-73 behind some stellar shooting (14-of-26, 53.8 percent) from behind the arc. Klay Thompson hit three of his four 3-pointers to score 9 points in 16 minutes and added two rebounds, an assist and a steal.

I didn't watch the game, so I'm not sure why Klay only played 16 minutes. Perhaps someone who did watch can enlighten us. On the bright side, despite the hot shooting from outside, the Americans also posted a 38.3 free throw rate -- a nice improvement from previous performances.

Australia came from behind to defeat France 79-73, closing the game on a 13-2 run. Brock Motum scored 11 points with two rebounds, a steal and a late block when the game was still within two possessions.

The U.S. will take on Croatia at 1:30 a.m. tonight/Saturday morning in one semifinal, and Australia will take on Greece at 11:15 p.m. in the other. I hope to have a four factors breakdown of the four remaining teams, but I'm going to be out of the house all day today and don't know if I'm going to get to it this evening before the games. I'll try.

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I watched it but....

I can’t really give you an answer as to why Klay only played 16 minutes. There are so many good players on the team it’s gotta be hard for Dixon to divvy up the minutes.

In the second half he had a cut below his knee and he was taken out for that never to return. It might have been a floor burn type of injury.

The only shot he missed was from the top of the key off the dribble. The three he made were catch and shoots that barely ruffled the net. His stroke is so sweet.

He guarded Arop quite a bit and did a really solid job. Klay was taught well and it shows.

by SW WA Coug on Jul 10, 2009 10:47 AM PDT reply actions