Team USA and Jasper Johnson dominate Jordan at FIBA U19 World Cup

USA Today

a day ago

Team USA is on fire at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, showcasing an electrifying performance that leaves fans buzzing. With an unblemished 3-0 record in the group stages, they stormed into the Round of 16, taking on Jordan in a game that was nothing short of spectacular. From the opening tip-off, it was clear: this was going to be a one-sided affair. The final score? A jaw-dropping 140-57 victory for Team USA.
Jordan briefly flirted with the lead at 3-2, but that fleeting moment was quickly extinguished as Team USA unleashed a relentless barrage of scoring and athleticism. The game featured highlight-reel dunks and dynamic plays that had spectators on their feet. In fact, the Americans shattered records left and right, setting new all-time highs with 59 field goals made, including 52 two-pointers, alongside an astonishing 31 steals and a staggering efficiency rating of 212. They also broke their own scoring record with 140 points—the second-highest total in U19 World Cup history—while racking up 41 assists and forcing 37 turnovers, both standing as the second-best marks ever recorded in the tournament.
Among those dazzling on the court was Kentucky's Jasper Johnson, who returned to action looking sharp and confident after nursing a minor shooting hand injury during the latter half of Tuesday's matchup. In just 16 minutes, he tallied 8 points, 2 rebounds, an assist, and a block—shooting an impressive 3-of-6 from the field, including two three-pointers that had fans roaring. Johnson's standout moment came when he executed a half-court steal that transitioned beautifully into an assist for a teammate's score.
The game belonged to Team USA as every player contributed to the scoreboard—each of the twelve players notched at least three points. Leading the charge was blue-chip forward and one of Kentucky's top prospects, Tryan Stokes, who made history as he recorded the first-ever triple-double in U19 World Cup history with an eye-popping stat line of 19 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and seven steals. Joining him in making significant contributions were fellow five-star prospects Jordan Smith Jr., Brandon McCoy, and Caleb Holt—each adding 13 points to this remarkable offensive display.
Looking ahead, Team USA has their sights set on the quarterfinals against Canada—who recently defeated Mali with a solid performance of their own (100-75). The Canadians will bring their own star power to Lausanne Arena in Switzerland, led by SEC standout and Florida Gator, Olivier Rioux, towering at an impressive 7-foot-8.
The quarterfinal showdown is scheduled for Friday at 11:15 AM ET and can be streamed live on the FIBA YouTube Channel. With Team USA riding high off this monumental win against Jordan, basketball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another thrilling matchup.