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R.J. Barrett stars as Canada shocks Team USA in FIBA U19 semis

John Calipari

Kentucky head coach John Calipari asks for a call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

AP

The United States won’t be three-peating at the FIBA U19 World Cup.

Canada knocked off the Americans in rather shocking fashion, 99-87, on Saturday in the semifinals to hand the USA its first loss in the event since they finished fifth in 2011.

The top recruit in the class of 2019, R.J. Barrett, had a monster day for the Canadians, posting 38 points, 13 rebounds and five assists before fouling out in the final minutes. He was clearly the best player on the floor for the entire day. Barrett’s huge day helped Canada hand the U.S. a defeat despite being without its captain, Lindell Wigginton. The Iowa State-bound guard missed his second-straight game due to a concussion.

The John Calipari-led Americans looked haggard throughout the day, struggling to find a rhythm offensively or put up much resistance defensively. They shot 58.1 percent from the free-throw line and 26.1 percent from distance.

Kentucky-bound big man P.J. Washington led the way in the scoring column for the USA, tallying 17 points. Auburn’s Austin WIley had 13 points and 17 boards.

Canada will play Italy on Sunday for the U19 championship while Team USA will face Spain in the third-place game.