Dangerfield, Walker lead US

After getting off to a sluggish start in its opener, the six-time defending champion United States squad figured to be tested in its second pool play game at the FIBA U19 World Cup against undefeated China in Italy.

However, UConn rising sophomore guard Crystal Dangerfield had other ideas. The only returning player from the 2015 U19 squad led an early charge as the U.S. started the game on a 15-3 run en route to a 91-51 victory on Sunday.

By the end of the first quarter, China trailed 2810. In its opener against Mali, the U.S. only led by five with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter before pulling away.

Dangerfield finished with 11 points and a gamehigh four assists against China. UConn incoming freshman Megan Walker added seven points and seven rebounds for the U.S. Joyner Holmes finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, Chennedy Carter had 13 points, Ruthy Hebard had 11 points and nine rebounds while Bella Alarie added 10 points and eight rebounds.

“Our players came out with a focus and energy defensively,” U.S. coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said. “We were really impressed with the way we defended dribble penetration, contesting shots. The first half, we limited them to 15 points. I think our defense created a lot of opportunities in transition and other scoring opportunities.”

The U.S. wraps up play in group A against host Italy on Tuesday at 2:45 p.m.