June 19, 2012

Sao Sebastiáo do Paraiso, BRAZIL - Shaq Goodwin, an incoming freshman on the U of M basketball team, notched 13 points in the United States' 107-72 blowout win over Argentina in the semifinals of the 2012 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.

With the win, the Americans advanced to Wednesday's title game to face host Brazil for a second time in three days. The U.S. posted an 83-64 victory over Brazil in pool play on Monday.

The United States jumped out to a 29-17 lead after the first ten minutes of action. Behind seven second-quarter points from Goodwin, the Americans increased their lead to 53-38 headed into intermission. The Americans dominated the second half, outscoring the Argentines 25-17 in the third quarter and 29-17 in the final stanza.

Seven Americans scored in double figures, led by Julius Randle's 15 points. In addition to Goodwin's 13 points, Rasheed Sulaimon (14), Jarnell Stokes (11), Rodney Purvis (11), Nate Brit (10) and John Layman (10) all chipped in double-digit performances.

The U.S connected on 54.8 percent (40-of-73) of its shots, compared to 46.7 percent (28-of-60) for Argentina. Goodwin, a native of Decatur, Ga., went 4-of-5 (80.0 percent) from the floor and 5-of-6 (83.3 percent) the charity stripe. The Americans also held a decisive advantage on the boards, 44-27, in the 35-point win.