Verhulst, USA Win Gold at FIBA U19 World Cup

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – University of Louisville freshman guard Payton Verhulst and the USA Basketball Women's U19 World Cup Team won gold with a 70-52 win over Australia in the championship game at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary.

Featuring U19 teams from 16 nations, the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup qualified nations included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, host Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mali, Russia, South Korea, Spain and the USA.

The United States played three group games and opened with a 96-37 win over Italy last Saturday. Verhulst got the start and finished with six points and five rebounds in 22 minutes. Last Sunday, they defeated Australia 99-59 as Verhulst had eight points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Team USA closed group play with a 97-36 win over Egypt on Tuesday. Verhulst started her third consecutive game and finished with six points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Round of 16 knockout round began on Wednesday with a 129-45 win over Chinese Taipei. Verhulst came off the bench for the first time and led the team with 18 points, while adding eight rebounds and six assists.

On Friday, USA defeated Spain 98-64 in the quarterfinals as Verhulst finished with 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from deep, while adding five rebounds.

Team USA then beat Hungary 75-42 in the semifinals on Saturday as Verhulst had four points and five rebounds in 25 minutes of action.

In the final, USA downed Australia 70-52 and Verhulst contributed three points, six rebounds and two assists.

Previously, Verhulst was named MVP of the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Puerto Aysen, Chile. She started all six games, averaging 14.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game to help the USA to a perfect 6-0 record and a gold medal.

The United States is now the back-to-back FIBA U19 World Cup gold medalist. In 2019, University of Louisville head coach Jeff Walz led the USA to a 7-0 record and a gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. Hailey Van Lith started all seven games for that USA squad, averaging 9.1 points and 2.3 assists per game.

USA women's teams have won nine gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal while compiling an 93-13 overall record in U19 World Cup play since the event was launched in 1985. Even more impressive, the USA has posted a 69-3 record and won eight of the past nine U19 golds since 2005.

2021 FIBA U19 World Cup Schedule

Sat., Aug. 7
USA 96, Italy 37

Sun., Aug. 8
USA 99, Australia 59

Tues., Aug. 10
USA 97, Egypt 36

Wed., Aug. 11
Round of 16 - USA 129, Chinese Taipei 45

Fri., Aug. 13
Quarterfinals - USA 98, Spain 64

Sat., Aug. 14
Semifinals - USA 75, Hungary 42

Sun. Aug. 15
Finals - USA 70, Australia 52

The USA U19 World Cup Team was selected by the USA Basketball Women's Junior National Team Committee. In addition to chair Jennifer Rizzotti (USA Women's National Team assistant coach and. Connecticut Sun president), the committee includes Temple University head coach Tonya Cardoza; 2008 Olympic gold medalist and Duke University head coach Kara Lawson; and North Carolina State University head coach Wes Moore.

For the latest on Louisville women's basketball, visit GoCards.com, or follow the team's Twitter account at @UofLWBB or on Facebook at facebook.com/UofLWBB.

University of Louisville Athletics

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Hailey Van Lith

Payton Verhulst

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