Harper, USA defeat Australia, progress to World Championships final
July 28, 2013
Staff report | @KyKernelSports
A 77-54 win over Australia in Saturday’s semifinal secured a place in the 2013 U-19 World Championships final for UK Hoops freshman guard Linnae Harper and Team USA.
Harper tabbed six points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals in 25 minutes of action against Australia (7-2) in Klaipeda, Lithuania.
Connecticut sophomore forward Breanna Stewart led all scorers with a 23 point haul for the American squad.
USA (8-0) will play France (7-1) in the World Championships final on Sunday.
It will be the two teams’ second meeting in the tournament following a 69-63 win for USA over France in the preliminary rounds.
“When we played them, it was really tough. But, we bounced back against Japan and Australia,” Harper said to USA Basketball.
The rematch with France will be USA’s fifth-straight appearance in the U-19 World Championships gold medal game.
“I think the game is going to really be a test for us, but I think we’re ready mentally and physically to be able to win the game,” Harper said.
Sunday’s game will be broadcast live on ESPN3 from 1:15 p.m.
