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June 29, 2010

NORMAN, Okla. - Jeff Capel's USA squad improved to 4-0 in the FIBA Americas Men's U18 Championship Tuesday night by defeating Canada 122-89 in a semifinals contest in San Antonio, Texas.

As has been the norm the past several days at Bill Greehey Arena on the campus of St. Mary's University, Capel's team rode a fast start against Canada.  The U.S. stormed to a 37-10 lead after one quarter and was never threatened afterward.

The red, white and blue had a very successful shooting night, posting a 54 percent mark from the field, a 58 percent mark from 3-point range (14-for-24) and an 80 percent figure from the free throw line (20-for-24).  It held Canada to 42 percent shooting and forced 20 turnovers.

"We played very well tonight," said Capel.  "I'm proud of how hard we played defensively.  We jumped on them right from the beginning and never let up.  I think our intensity defensively really knocked them back."

With the win, the U.S. advanced to Wednesday's 7 p.m. CT gold medal game against a 4-0 Brazil team that beat Argentina 70-56 Tuesday evening.  Capel said he knows his squad will have to be on top of its game in order to win the tournament.

"Brazil is a very, very good basketball team.  They have great size and they play very hard and so well together.  They have arguably the best post prospect in the tournament and a big-time point guard.  It should be a great game."

Capel's team has won its four games in San Antonio by an average score of 114-64.  Brazil has won its four games by an average of 13 points.

Wednesday's gold medal game will be streamed live online at www.fibaamericas.com.