Day 2: FIBA Americas U18

Bamba dunking the ball for Team USA

Image Courtesy: USA Basketball. www.usab.com

Another day, another blowout for Team USA. This time it came at the expense of the Virgin Islands. Shaka Smart’s squad moved to 2-0 with a 107-63 victory.The Americans led by as much as 48 points.

Early on the Virgin Islands played zone and Team USA exploited it. After going 1-8 from the 3 point line the day before, the Americans shot the 3 ball much better finishing 7-30 from long range. Smart credited his team’s efficiency against the zone to unselfish play. Smart said “I thought our guys did some good things. I really thought we played well together, in terms of passing the basketball – 35 assists. We did a nice job against their zone of finding open pockets and making the extra pass”.

Once again, Michael Porter Jr. (University of Washington commit) led Team USA with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Even more impressive was how efficient Porter Jr. was on offense shooting 8-11 from the field (2-4 from the 3 point line) and 2-2 from the free throw line. Paul Washington chipped in with 19 while Jarrett Allen grabbed 10 rebounds.

Shaka Smart’s squad showed once again that the old adage of “defense travels” is their calling card. The Americans forced 33 turnovers, 16 of them coming on steals. A day after holding Puerto Rico to 35.6% shooting, the USA team held the Virgin Islands to 30.4% shooting from the field.

If the Americans want to continue their dominant ways they must continue to dominate the boards (outrebounded Virgin Islands 58-39) and cut down on turnovers (averaging 18.5 turnovers in the first two games).

Upcoming Opponent: Chile (1-1)

Results from Day 2:

USA 107 Virgin Islands 63

Canada 87 Dominican Republic 74

Brazil 54 Argentina 51

Puerto Rico 70 Chile 60

Related Posts