USA struggled in the first half in their initial game against Argentina. That wasn’t the case against Mexico. USA used a 35-13 second quarter en route to a 104-52 win over Mexico.
The most notable difference between the two games was the USA’s improvement in the turnover category. Coach Mike Jones said “We had 31 assists and 12 turnovers. With the way we played, that’s a good number. Guys were willing to share the ball and not care about who made the basket, just trying to play as well as we can. If we keep doing that, we have a great chance to be successful here.”
Jalen Duren with a HUGE putback! ??@usabjnt@usabasketball ??#FIBAU16Americas pic.twitter.com/z9z7eXzb4y
— FIBA (@FIBA) June 4, 2019
USA was led in scoring by Amari Bailey’s 21 points. Jalen Duren chipped in with 18 points and 17 rebounds.
Notes:
- After allowing Argentina to attempt 33 free throws, the USA’s defense was much better at stopping dribble penetration and it showed. Mexico only attempted 13 free throws.
- All of the USA’s shooting percentages improved. From the field, USA shot 46.2% from the floor including 33.3% from the three point line. In the first game, USA shot 31.9% from the floor, 24% from the three point line and 61.3% from the free throw line.
- USA continues to convert turnovers into points. USA forced Mexico into 23 turnovers that led to 37 points.
