07/10/2009 - Duke Sports Information

Auckland, New Zealand – Team USA made 11-of-16 from behind the three-point line in the first of a 93-73 win over Canada in the quarterfinals of the U19 FIBA World Championships.

The USA’s 14 made 3-pointers set a new USA game record, bettering the old mark of 13 (7/15/03 versus Lithuania). Also, the USA’s 53.8 shooting percentage from three improved on the old record of 50.0 percent (7/22/95 vs. France).

Duke sophomore Seth Curry sparked the three-point barage with two consecutive treys and three overall in the first quarter to help the Americans take a 25-15 lead after one. He finished 4-of-5 from beyond the arc for 12 points to go with three assists, one rebound, one blocked shot and one steal. Overall the U.S. team went 14-of-26 from deep in the game.

“We have so many great players on our team that I don’t have to force it, just come in and try to spread the wealth a little bit,” said Curry. “Tonight, they found a lot of open shots for me and I knocked them down.”

The U.S. stretched the lead to 45-27 with more success from behind the three-point line in the second quarter. Canada never challenged in the second half as the USA went on to win 93-73.

For the USA, Gordon Hayward (20 points), Howard Thompkins and Curry (both 12 points), Tyshawn Taylor and John Shurna (both 10) all scored in double figures. The Canadians were led by Tristan Thompson (18 points, 8 rebounds) and Kelly Olynk (14 points, 7 rebounds).

The win improved the United States record to 7-0 and advanced the Americans into Saturday’s medal round semifinals where they will face Croatia (6-1) at 8:30 p.m. (Auckland local time, +16 hours EDT). Croatia advanced after earning a solid 91-78 victory over Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals.