USA Advance to Quarterfinals at FIBA U19 World Cup with Historic 140-67 W… read more
The USA Basketball U19 Men’s National Team stormed into the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup with a record-breaking performance, dismantling Jordan 140-67 in their first knockout stage appearance. Held on July 2, 2025, this game not only showcased the dominant talent of the American roster but also set new standards in U19 competition history, marking the highest point total ever scored by a U.S. team in the tournament. The previous record of 136 points, set against Madagascar in 2023, was surpassed emphatically in a display of athleticism, speed, and teamwork.
The early moments of the contest saw Jordan keeping pace with the United States, as both sides exchanged baskets in the first few minutes. However, that parity was short-lived. The Americans settled into a rhythm and unleashed a crushing 13-2 run that quickly opened up the game. The surge was sparked by a series of high-energy plays, including a spinning, right-handed dunk from Tyran Stokes and an and-one layup by JJ Mandaquit. By the 4:27 mark of the first quarter, the USA had surged ahead 18-7 and never looked back.
Tyran Stokes set the tone for what would become a historic night, ending the first quarter with a highlight-reel steal and fast-break slam. He finished the opening period with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals, but it was only a glimpse of what was to come. Over the course of the game, Stokes recorded the first triple-double in USA U19 history—an extraordinary 19 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 7 steals—underscoring his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.
“It’s an accomplishment to be able to have a triple-double at the U19 level,” said Stokes after the game. “It shows that I can be a team player, help my guys win, and help us win.”
The Americans closed the first quarter with a commanding 32-15 lead and immediately carried their momentum into the second. The team opened the quarter on an 18-7 spurt, prompting a Jordanian timeout midway through. Koa Peat and Morez Johnson Jr. took center stage in the second period, scoring 12 and 10 points respectively by halftime. At the break, the USA led 67-37, having completely overwhelmed Jordan with their interior dominance and defensive pressure.
The numbers told the story of the Americans’ control. In the first half alone, the U.S. shot an astounding 26-for-32 on two-point field goals, using their physicality to dominate in the paint. Of their 67 first-half points, 52 came from inside. Their relentless pressure also resulted in 14 first-half steals, which they turned into 22 fast break points. Jordan simply had no answer for the American tempo or size advantage.
Coming out of halftime, the Americans showed no signs of slowing down. Morez Johnson Jr. opened the third quarter with a flurry of dunks and a transition and-one layup, helping extend the lead to 80-39 with nearly seven minutes remaining in the period. Johnson finished with 19 points and 5 rebounds in a dominant interior performance. Jordan Smith Jr. added to the highlight reel with a powerful windmill dunk in transition, as the USA’s lead ballooned to 87-42.
The onslaught continued into the fourth quarter. By the end of the third, the U.S. led 106-56 and had thoroughly broken the game open. At one point in the final quarter, with over seven minutes still on the clock, the Americans had doubled up Jordan, 118-59. Big man Daniel Jacobsen made a strong impact in the second half, contributing 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 blocks in limited minutes. His presence in the paint added further defensive sting to a team that was already suffocating its opponents.
In addition to the record for most points scored in a U19 game by a U.S. team, the Americans also broke the national record for most steals in a single U19 contest, amassing a staggering 31 steals. It was a clear demonstration of the team’s commitment to defense, hustle, and creating offense from turnovers.
With this resounding victory, the USA U19 squad not only moves on to the quarterfinals but does so with a commanding message to the rest of the field. They are not only aiming for gold—they are rewriting the record books along the way. The team’s depth, athleticism, and unselfishness were on full display, and as they prepare for their next challenge, the rest of the world has been put on notice.
