Good Morning, Illini Nation: Quentin Coleman, U.S. take home silver
· Yahoo Sports
Jun. 8—Team USA snapped its streak of gold medals in U18 action Sunday with a 67-65 loss to Canada in the championship game of the 2026 FIBA U18 AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico. A potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer from Illinois guard Quentin Coleman didn't fall, ending a run of seven consecutive golds by the U.S.
Sunday's gold medal game was close throughout. A 35-35 halftime tie included four lead changes through the first 20 minutes of action. The third quarter included more of the same, with four more lead changes and two ties, before the U.S. took a 49-48 lead into the fourth quarter.
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Canada opened the final frame on a 7-3 run before the U.S. answered to reclaim a 61-59 lead. The final 3 minutes turned into a defensive battle before Canada turned a turnover from Coleman into a go-ahead fast break dunk from Deng Ngor.
Despite the tough final minute, Coleman finished the game with eight points and 10 rebounds and was named to the 2026 FIBA U18 AmeriCup All-Star Five. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 11.2 points and 11.4 rebounds, ranking 11th and first, respectively, for the tournament. His rebounding average and 57 total rebounds put him first and second, respectively, all-time among Team USA players at the U18 level.