UConn rising freshman Kelly Faris had one block in four scoreless minutes (0-of-1 FG) to help the U.S. to an 87-71 victory over previously unbeaten Spain today in the gold medal game of the FIBA U-19 World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand. Stanford rising sophomore Nnemkadi Ogwumike had game-highs of 22 points and 20 rebounds.
“It’s one of those things that you get speechless,’’ Faris said. “You don’t know what to say. It’s one of those things that it doesn’t really hit you until a little ways down the road and you’ll look back and kind of realize what exactly you were able to accomplish. It’s a great feeling. We’re excited. All of the hard work that we went through paid off. We’re blessed to be here and just thankful that we could pull it out.’’
The U.S. (8-1) avenged a 90-86 loss to Spain (8-1) in the tournament opener July 23 and won its third straight gold medal. It led 33-16 at the end of first quarter, leaving little doubt who was the better team.
Faris averaged 3.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals and 13.1 minutes in the tournament. She said after the game that this experience will help her get acclimated at UConn.
“It’ll definitely help a lot just confidence-wise,’’ Faris said. “Obviously, it’s different than the way the games are played overseas and back home. But still competition-wise, they’re great competitors and players. Playing with our own players, even at practice, it’ll definitely help. Just the all-around game, really. Mentally, I’ve got to get into it. College is completely different than high school so I’ll still have to adjust to different things. But, all in all, it’s been a big help going into it.’’
Rich
