AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Rutgers rising sophomore guard Mike Rosario (Jersey City, N.J.) shot 18-of-29 from the field, including nine-of-13 from behind the arc, to score a tournament-best 54 points in Puerto Rico’s 90-89 defeat of France Monday at the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championships. Rosario was nine-of-10 from the charity stripe, grabbed seven rebounds and snatched four steals while playing the entire 40 minutes as Puerto Rico improved to 3-1 at the Championships.
“I just told coach that I was going to go out and give it everything I had,” said Rosario. “I went out there and I prayed last night, and I prayed before the game and everything went right for me today. I am just so happy."
Seventeen of Rosario’s points were accumulated in the fourth quarter. He helped push his team to victory after France had taken an 83-76 advantage with 3:20 remaining. Rosario hit three key baskets down the stretch, including a two pointer to tie the score at 89-89 with 40 seconds to play.
With the score still tied, France was off the mark on a three-pointer with three seconds on the clock. Puerto Rico grabbed the rebound, transitioned down court, and was fouled in the act of shooting with 0.6 seconds remaining. Puerto Rico missed the first attempt, but converted the second for the deciding one point edge. Rosario stole the ensuing inbounds pass to secure the victory.
The game marked the second meeting between France and Puerto Rico this summer. France won the initial meeting by a single point, 85-84, at the 23rd World Juniors Basketball Tournament in Douai, France on June 11.
Rosario is averaging 31.8 points-per-game after four contests at the Championships to lead all participants in scoring. He has made 44-of-86 (51.2 percent) field goal attempts, including 41.7 percent (15-36) from behind the arc, and 24 of 29 (82.8 percent) free throws.
Puerto Rico’s three wins may be enough to qualify the team for the quarterfinals, but a win in its remaining games against the United States (Tuesday) and Egypt (Wednesday) will ensure further advancement. BOX SCORE
