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USA Routs Spain to Advance to Semifinals

USA 105
Spain 55

Michael Lizarraga aims to gain the edge against Spain during the Quarterfinal match between the two countries. (Photo courtesy 2019 World Deaf Basketball Championships / DIBF)

LUBLIN, POLAND—Seeking to improve upon its last performance vs Japan the United States Men's team did exactly that against Spain by running off to a 22-0 lead in the first five minutes. The American defense was equally impressive and forced Spain to commit turnovers.

Spain spent the rest of the game playing catch up, to no avail as the Americans continued to pull away en route to a 65-30 lead at the half. A disciplined half court team effort on defense suffocated the Spanish attack for the entire game.

Lizarraga fends off five Spanish defenders for two of his 27 points
(Photo courtesy 2019 World Deaf Basketball Championships / DIBF)

United States' unrelenting attack resulted in 24 points from turnovers, 38 fast break points, and 66 points in the paint. On the offensive side, Noah Valencia and Michael Lizarraga lead the way with 27 and 21 points, respectively.  Lizarraga continued to control the boards with 19 rebounds, igniting the American fast break for the entire game. Birthday boy Ben Coleman played a sensational all-around game with 4-for-5 shooting, including 2-for-3 on three-pointers, 1 for 1 on free throws, and hauling 4 rebounds to go with 3 assists and 5 steals.

United States expects to face its toughest challenge yet against a hard-nosed Russian Team at 8 pm Thursday.

Editor's note: Due to the holiday, this story is running late. USA Defeated Russia 91-76 on Thursday afternoon to advance to the final.

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