Mabrey sets an assist record in FIBA Americas U-18 rout

Notre Dame-bound Michaela Mabrey highlighted a 99-26 U-18 National Team rout of the Dominican Republic by handing out 10 assists on the opening day of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Puerto Rico.

“I wasn’t really hitting any shots, so when that happens I look to pass. I’m more of a pass-first person,” said Mabrey, who also had nine points and four blocks. Her double-digit assist total breaks the previous USA record of nine set by Candace Parker in 2004 and equaled by Khadijah Rushdan in 2006.

Meanwhile Morgan Tuck, who will suit up for Tennessee this fall, tied the single game scoring record of 23 points set by Candice Wiggins in 2004.  Tuck was a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line and sank 8-of-11 shots from the field -- and ran off six straight points in the second period.

"The coaches said before the game that the posts need to dominate so that’s what I pretty much tried to do,” said Tuck. “I think that the guards were on board with that and really tried to get it into the post.”  

After a close first quarter that ended with a slight 15-13 U.S. advantage, Team USA went on a 31-4 run in the second quarter to open up the game.  All 10 players on the roster scored five points or more in the effort, including 14 from Breanna Stewart (UConn) and 11 from Candace Agee (Penn State).