USA advancing at U19 Worlds

BANGKOK, Thailand — The United States advanced with a pair of wins over the weekend at the 2009 FIBA U19 Women’s Championships, defeating Mali in its final pool play game and downing Canada in the first game of the second round.University of Arkansas freshman guard C’eira Ricketts came off the bench to score in both games for the Americans.The USA squad has a day off before facing undefeated Russia. The game is set for 3:15 in the morning Fayetteville time on July 28. The Americans close this second round of play with Japan on July 29 at 1 a.m.Team USA pounded Mali, 100-38, in the final pool play contest.Ricketts had six points, including a perfect 4-for-4 at the free throw line. Her 25 minutes was one of her longest stints on the court for USA. She picked up two steals to continue her two per game average.In the opening game of the second round, USA used a 15-2 run to gain space over the Canadians early, but faced a battle into the fourth quarter before winning, 64-50.Ricketts scored four points with two rebounds and a steal in 11 minutes versus Canada.