Billy D, Team USA set for golden opportunity
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 | Men's Basketball, Volleyball, Chris Harry
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A fourth wipeout in as many days got Billy Donovan's Team USA squad a rematch of Wipeout No. 3.
This one will be for a gold medal.
The Americans defeated Argentina 107-72 during Tuesday's medal-round play of the FIBA Americas U18 Championships at Sao Bebastiao do Paraiso, Brazil.
Rasheed Sulaimon came off the bench to score 14 points, with six teammates joining the Duke-bound guard in double figures. Team USA shot nearly 55 percent for the game, out-rebounded the Argentines 44-27 and forced 20 turnovers.
Team USA (4-0) will play host Brazil (3-1), which upset Canada 66-62 in Tuesday's other medal round game, for the gold Wednesday night at 7. The Americans defeated the Brazilians 83-64 in pool play Monday.
Donovan's team, with 11 of 12 players just graduating from high school, has won its four games by an average margin of 42 points.
“What I told the guys is whatever has happened up to this point in time against any team we've played doesn't mean anything,” Donovan said. “You can't expect it's going to be a hard-fought game because -- you know what? -- they're going to be playing for the same thing we're playing for.”
