We’ll try to get more detail on the games in the morning China time. Check back later today.
Latvia edged the NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars 67-65 as they made two free throws with one second remaining in the game.
The USA rallied from a ten-point deficit with 2:48 to play, tying the game with 55 seconds remaining on a three-pointer by Devin Sweetney (St. Francis-PA, Moncton Miracles). The USA stopped Latvia on the next possession and had the ball with 28 seconds on the clock. Derek Needham (Fairfield) missed a three-pointer off the back rim with 10 seconds remaining. Latvia secured the long rebound and got into transition. They missed a quick shot but the USA could not secure the rebound. Latvia pulled down the offensive rebound, was fouled and made both shots from the charity line to win the game.
Devin Sweetney
Sweetney led the Americans with 24 points. Roger Franklin (North Texas) played hard and ended with a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Franklin worked hard on both ends and was physical doing good things all night. He was the USA’s most consistent guy on the floor at both ends and did not shy away. Oliver McNally (Harvard, Moncton Miracles) was the other American in double figures with 10 points. The USA shot 2-of-11 on three-pointers.
George Brosky, USA All-Stars Coach
“We lost a winnable game tonight. Latvia made some shots when it counted to win it. We need to improve our offensive execution and defensive intensity. The guys have been great and I think our teamwork will improve as we only had one full practice prior to this game. We’ll make some game management adjustments that should have a positive effect and hopefully will start shooting better.”
The USA plays Canada tomorrow night. The Canadians topped China 70-66. They had a balanced attack at the team shared minutes fairly evenly. Kyle Wiltjer (Kentucky) and Jordan Bachynski (Arizona State) led Canada with 11 points while Dwight Powell (Stanford) added 10 points.
[…] the Americans’ first game, Latvia won in a tight one: Net Scouts’ official report notes that “The USA rallied from a ten-point deficit with 2:48 to […]
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