Two Oregon Ducks played for their respective countries as sophomore point guard Payton Pritchard represented the US and incoming freshman forward Abu Kigab played for Canada.
Canada defeated the United States 99-87 in the semifinal of the Under-19 FIBA World Cup in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday. The win marks the first loss for the U-19 US team since the 2011 World Cup, and it is one of Canada’s biggest international basketball wins in the countries history.
Pritchard has been the US’ spark off the bench throughout the tournament. He was again against Canada, playing close to 22 minutes with a tournament-high 16 points, as well as a team-high four assists. He also recorded one turnover, one steal and four rebounds, two of which were offensive. He was an efficient 6-of-12 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.
Pritchard is shooting well in the tournament with a 47.6 field goal percentage and 40.9 percent from 3-point range.
Kigab, the 6-foot-6 incoming freshman, is one of Canada’s stars. He had a disappointing game against the United States for his standards. The energetic forward recorded 14 points, four assists and six rebounds. Kigab has shot well all tournament, but his shot wasn’t falling against the US. He started ice cold shooting 0-for-7 in the first half. He got back on track in the second half and went 3-for-4.
For the tournament, he has averaged an impressive 15.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
Abu Kigab motor is timeless, he has had it since I can remember first seeing the St. Catherine’s product @NorthPoleHoops
— Nikolaus Zefi (@NikZefi_NPH) July 8, 2017
The United States will play Spain in the bronze medal game on Sunday at 9 a.m.
Canada will play Italy in the gold medal game on Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917