Team USA opened the semifinals with a commanding 107‑40 win over Chile, extending its perfect 3‑0 run in the FISU America Games. The victory was built on an early barrage of dunks and three‑point shooting that left the opposition scrambling.
Coach Darian DeVries praised the freshmen for their poise and willingness to contribute, noting that the youngsters had earned valuable playing time in a tournament where blowouts have become the norm.
Freshman Vaughn Karvala led the scoring with 16 points, stepping into the starting lineup after a strong showing against the Virgin Islands. His performance helped the team surge ahead early, with a 34‑12 lead after the first quarter.
Veteran Darren Harris, a recent Duke transfer, added 15 points and made a defensive impact that caught the eye of the coaching staff. Aiden Sherrell and Sam Alexis each contributed 14 points, while Trevor Manhertz chipped in four.
A Deep Bench Fuels the Blowout
The second quarter saw a flurry of activity: a steal and layup by Markus Burton, followed by a dunk from Sam Alexis, pushed the lead to 45‑12. Shortly after, Prince‑Alexander Moody knocked down a three‑pointer, extending the margin to 51‑12.
Halfway through the game, Mustaf’s three‑point play capped a 64‑20 halftime surge, and the lead swelled to 50 points in the third quarter. Multiple lineups, including walk‑ons, saw action as the team cruised to the final.
Team USA will now face the Virgin Islands in the championship game. The Virgin Islands had upset Argentina 63‑61 in their own semifinal before suffering a 120‑63 loss to the United States earlier in the tournament.
The upcoming final offers a chance for the Hoosiers‑laden squad to cement its dominance, with Coach DeVries confident that the blend of youthful energy and seasoned veterans will continue to drive success.