July 22, 1999
EVANSTON, Ill. -- - The United States Men's Junior World Championship team defeated Russia 84-70 on Wednesday to earn a berth in the medal semifinals of the 1999 Men's Junior World Championships in Portugal. With the win, the United States advances into the semifinals at the top of Group II with a 3-0 quarterfinals round record and faces Croatia (5-1), second place finishers in Group I, in Lisbon on Saturday, July 24. If the U.S. defeats Croatia, they will play for the gold medal on Sunday.
Northwestern sophomore forward Steve Lepore (North Olmsted, Ohio/St. Edward) scored eight points on 3-of-6 shooting, 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Just as he did the night before against Brazil, Lepore sank two consecutive three-pointers in the second half to open up a lead for the Americans.
"I'm really proud of the guys tonight," said USA and Arizona State University head coach Rob Evans. "Keyon Dooling (Missouri) really stepped up big tonight and played well. Steve Lepore played really well and Bobby Simmons (DePaul) came in and gave us a great lift off the bench."
For complete stories of the U.S. Junior Team, log on to the USA Basketball website at www.usabasketball.com.