UConn's Dangerfield stars as the U.S. finishes U19 pool play undefeated

UConn rising sophomore Crystal Dangerfield had 11 points and tied a U.S. tournament record with nine assists as the six-time defending champions held off a spirited challenge from host Italy 66-49 to finish play in Group A undefeated.

Dangerfield also had five rebounds and two steals, South Carolina's Tyasha Harris had 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals.

UConn incoming freshman Megan Walker finished with six points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals as U.S. improved to 3-0.

The U.S. trailed 13-12 at the end of the first quarter and only led 24-21 at halftime before dominating in the third quarter when Dangerfield had six points and five assists. Dangerfield's nine assists matched the U.S. record set by Ariel Massengale against Brazil on July 30, 2011.
The U.S. will play Puerto Rico in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.
Puerto Rico finished 0-3 in pool play despite former Capital Prep star and University of Pittsburgh incoming freshman Angelique Rodriguez averaging 17 points per game, which is tied for the second most in the tournament through pool play. Rodriguez had 10 3-pointers in the three games, the third most in the tournament.