Maryland's Huerter Leads Team USA Into Semifinals
VALDIVIA, Chile – Incoming Maryland freshman Kevin Huerter scored 14 points to lead the USA U18 National Team to a 70-50 win over Chile in its final group game of the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championships. With the win, Huerter and assistant coach Mark Turgeon along with Team USA advanced to the semifinals to face off with Brazil.
Huerter, a 6'7" guard from Clifton Park, N.Y., totaled 14 first half points on 5-of-6 shooting to give the USA a 30-27 halftime lead. Huerter, who connected on 4-of-5 threes, had nine consecutive points in the second quarter to give the USA a lead it would not relinquish. Huerter previously had a high of seven points in Team USA's win over the US Virgin Islands on Wednesday.
"My shot had not been falling the first two games, but the coaches said to be ready and to come off the bench and make shots," Huerter said.
Team USA dominated Chile in the paint with a 36-16 advantage. Huerter's four threes led Team USA.
Tip-off for Team USA's semifinal matchup with Brazil is scheduled for 8:15 p.m., on Friday, July 21. With a win, Team USA would play in the championship game on Saturday at 8:15 p.m.