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June 28, 2010

NORMAN, Okla. - Jeff Capel coached USA to its third straight win in the FIBA Americas Men's U18 Championship Monday night as it beat defending tournament champion Argentina 88-67 in San Antonio, Texas, to finish atop Group B with a 3-0 record.

Capel's squad shot 62 percent from the field while holding Argentina (2-1) to a 43 percent mark at Bill Greehey Arena on the campus of St. Mary's University.  The U.S. trailed 10-7 early but rallied to lead 24-16 after the first quarter.  It rode a pivotal 27-9 second quarter performance to a 51-25 halftime advantage and was up by a cozy 79-43 margin through three periods before being outscored 24-9 in the fourth.

"This was by far the best team we played," said Capel of an Argentina squad that won easily versus Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands the previous two days.  "Our guys really respect Argentina.  We came out with great defensive intensity.  For the first three quarters, I thought it was as well as we have played all tournament.  It's important to get some rest now and get ready for a very good Canada team tomorrow."

With Monday's win, the U.S. advances to the semifinals to play a 2-1 Canada team that lost to Brazil 83-78 earlier in the day.  Tuesday's USA-Canada contest will start at 7 p.m. CT. 

Capel's team has won its three games against the Virgin Islands, Mexico and Argentina by an average score of 111-56.

All games in the tournament are being streamed live online at www.fibaamericas.com.