05-07-2025
Team USA is now one win away from winning the FIBA U19 World Cup Title
Since landing in the picturesque city of Lausanne, Team USA has been laser-focused on a singular goal: capturing the FIBA U19 World Cup title. With a jaw-dropping 120-61 victory over New Zealand, they are now just one win away from making that dream a reality. This historic performance not only secured their spot in the finals but also shattered the record for most points scored in a FIBA U19 World Cup Semifinal, surpassing the previous mark set by the 2013 team.
Game RecapFrom the opening tip-off, Team USA dominated the court, sprinting to an impressive 18-point lead within minutes. New Zealand struggled to find their rhythm, trailing 26-55 at halftime. The second half was no different; Team USA continued their offensive onslaught, leaving no doubt about their superiority.
What's Next?With an unblemished record of 6-0, Team USA is gearing up for a showdown against Germany for all the marbles. Historically, they've faced Germany twice at youth levels—both matchups resulting in victories for Team USA: an overtime thriller in 1983 and a solid win in 2019. Can they make it a perfect trifecta in 2025?The Americans have been lighting up the scoreboard throughout the tournament, averaging an eye-popping 115.5 points per game and positioning themselves as potential record-breakers for the highest-scoring team in FIBA U19 history. For context, the legendary Yugoslavia team from 1987 holds that title with an average of 108.9 points.
Spotlight on Kentucky's Jasper JohnsonJasper Johnson has been a standout performer during this tournament, showcasing his skills and scoring prowess. In Saturday's game, the Kentucky freshman guard contributed significantly with 14 points off just 11 field goal attempts and nailed three three-pointers in just 18 minutes on the floor. Every moment he played saw Team USA extend their lead by at least 12 points.
Johnson's growth has been remarkable; his three-point shooting percentage has surged to 42.3%, reflecting his efficiency and ability to execute under pressure—a trait that bodes well for his future at wasn't just Johnson who shone bright; five-star recruit Caleb Holt from the class of 2026 also made waves as he led Team USA with 20 points against New Zealand, contributing to a game where six players hit double digits.
Team USA is set to return to action this Sunday against Germany for gold glory. Tip-off is slated for 2 PM ET at Lausanne Arena.
