Verhulst shines in win over Taiwan

[Sonja]

Team USA took on Taiwan in the Round of 16 in the FIBA U19 World Cup, and a 10-0 start stayed just as lopsided for the remainder of the game. Team USA set a new assist record (38) on their way to a 129-45 victory over the 0-4 Taiwanese (Chinese Taipei) team. The 129 points also tied the record for the most points scored by a USA U19 team. The USA is the #1 ranked squad in the 16-team tournament...Chinese Taipei came in as the #15 ranked squad. They, Egypt and Brazil are winless, so far.

The high scorers were a team effort as nine players scored in double figures. With only eleven players on the squad (Jewel Spear still out on a "coaches decision" explanation), that's quite the feat. Louisville's Payton Verhulst led the way, scoring 18 points and adding eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. She played 21:47 minutes. Her eight rebounds were tied for second on the team, and she was third on the team in assists. Verhulst started in the game, and had 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists at the half. It was 63-25 at the half and basically over.

Coach Jeff Walz will surely be pleased to see his new guard getting such valuable experience and performing at such a high level on this stage. If Verhulst can carry these kinds of performances into the beginning of her college career, one would think she has a stake on a bona-fide claim on a starting spot this fall. Team USA will continue their run at a title when they take on Spain in the quarterfinal game on tomorrow at 2:30 PM Eastern. The Spaniards are 3-1.

A big surprise here was Canada knocking off previously undefeated France.

Other Round of 16 results :

Spain 71 - Japan 64
Mali 87 - Korea 46
Canada 79 - France 72
Czech Republic 74 - Brazil 64
Hungary 54 - Italy 48
Russia 85 - Egypt 55
Australia 66 - Argentina 35

The Quarter-Finals Matchups:
USA v Spain
Hungary v Czech Republic
Australia v Canada
Russia v Mali

--sonja--

 

[Bardman]

Seems like a younger (and probably more talented) Emily Engstler. Scores, rebounds, passes. Does everything! Looking forward to seeing her on the court.

 

[armensmith]

I am betting she does start. Payton does things on the court in a very efficient manner.

Canada and France appear to have the only teams that approach the USA team in size. It must be very tough to play against Betts when your tallest player is perhaps 6'3". The USA team has 3 players listed at 6'5" and then there is Betts at 6'7". The AVERAGE height of the USA team is 6'1" and three inches taller than France and Canada.

 

[Sonja]

I am betting she does start. Payton does things on the court in a very efficient manner.

Canada and France appear to have the only teams that approach the USA team in size. It must be very tough to play against Betts when your tallest player is perhaps 6'3". The USA team has 3 players listed at 6'5" and then there is Betts at 6'7". The AVERAGE height of the USA team is 6'1" and three inches taller than France and Canada.

Fr

I am betting she does start. Payton does things on the court in a very efficient manner.

Canada and France appear to have the only teams that approach the USA team in size. It must be very tough to play against Betts when your tallest player is perhaps 6'3". The USA team has 3 players listed at 6'5" and then there is Betts at 6'7". The AVERAGE height of USA team is 6'1" and three inches taller than France and Canada.

France won't see USA, they were knocked out of quarter final winners bracket by 🇨🇦 Canada

--sonja--