UConn freshman Morgan Tuck had 15 points (5-of-15 FG) and a game-high 11 rebounds in 34 minutes tonight to lead the U.S. to a 71-47 victory over Brazil in the gold medal game of the FIBA Americas Women’s U-18 Championship in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. Tournament Most Valuable Player Breanna Stewart finished with 13 points (5-of-15 FG), 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in 34 minutes.
The U.S. has won six straight gold medals at the event and seven overall since its inception in 1988. It has also won gold in 1988, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 and is 43-2 all-time.
The U.S. shot just 40.6 percent from the field, but it held Brazil to 31.5 percent and forced 23 turnovers.
Fellow UConn freshman Moriah Jefferson added four points (2-of-5 FG), two rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes.
Rich
Speaking of Stewart …
Much has been disgusted and discussed with the Phoenix Mercury injury gate this season. There could be another case of injury gate during the 2015 WNBA season, when teams will try to get the best odds of drafting Breanna Stewart in April 2016.
Speaking of the Mercury’s injury gate …
Diggins will play for the CT Sun next season, where Lawson will groom her on the court and at ESPN. Montgomery and Jones will be traded along with the Sun’s #1 draft picks in April 2014 (Chiney) and April 2016 (Stewart, Tuck).
EDD will play for the Mystics. Griner will get drafted by the Shock and then traded to the Silver Stars for 3 legitimate WNBA starters and 2 #1 draft picks.
Phoenix will either trade the rights to EDD or Diggins, or laughably end up with the 4th draft pick.