U19 World Cup Title Game Brings Husky Freshmen Together as Opponents

While Steinbach has been one of the World Cup's standout performers, averaging 17.1 points and 14 rebounds an outing with four double-doubles, Mandaquit has been at his playmaking best averaging 5.6 assists per game, with four games of 7 assists each.

Mandaquit plays for a powerhouse American team that has had just one close game -- a 108-102 victory over Canada -- and won its six outings by 40 points per game on the average.

While Steinbach has put up big numbers nearly every time out, Mandaquit makes sure the ball moves around rather than look for his shot.

"He's more interested in his teammates' success," UW coach Danny Sprinkle said. "That's why he's on team USA."

The point guard has averaged 6.5 points per game, scoring no more than 8 points in any one performance.

Mamdaquit has taken just 23 shots, and connected on 9 of them. He's hit on just 3 of 9 3-point field goals.

Once these two are done in Europe, they'll head for Seattle where Sprinkle has assembled an impressive collection of talent. Mandaquit and Steinbach each will be strongly considered for starting roles.

Yet on Sunday, they'll try to beat each other.

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