Dazu, China – The past two games the NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars got off to poor starts but that wasn’t the case against China tonight as the Americans came through with a 38-point first quarter and coasted to a 105-92 victory. Diante Watkins was on fire throughout the contest, connecting on 8-of-9 three-pointers en route to a double-double of 30 points and ten assists. The USA All-Stars (4-1) won the title in Dazu based on point differential after Canada (1-5) upset Lithuania (4-2) in the first game. During that game there was a power failure that caused a 20-minute delay.
The first quarter was as good as the Americans can play offensively as they made 10-of-12 (83%) two-point shots and 6-of-7 (86%) three-pointers as they took a 38-23 lead. After six minutes they led 25-10. The referees kept China in the game in the first half. China crept to within 57-47 at the half helped by an overwhelming foul disparity. 13 fouls were called on the USA vs. three against China and China held a 19-2 edge on free throw attempts. There was also a technical foul called against USA Head Coach Matt Zosel. After some complaining the second half was officiated much more reasonably. The USA blew the game open after halftime and eventually had a 30-point lead (99-69) with six minutes left before giving their starters a rest.
The USA clicked offensively throughout the contest ending the game shooting 71% (28-of-39) on two-point attempts and 65% (13-of-20) from long distance. China also shot well on three-pointers hitting 48% (13-of-27). China held a +7 rebounding edge including a +6 edge on the offensive boards. The Americans improved in limiting their turnovers reducing their number to 15 with only one in the first quarter. China ended the game with a +13 edge in free throw attempts and the USA was called for eight more fouls than the Chinese.
Javier Carter shot a perfect 9-of-9 on two-point attempts, only missing one three-pointer en route to 20 points. Carter was credited with four dunks. Thomas Bropleh (10 points on 2-of-3 shooting), Will Artino (9 points on 4-of-5 shooting) and James Crowder (9 points on 3-of-4 shooting) all clicked offensively. Aaron Rountree and Mardracus Wade both played great defense and filled the stat sheet. Julius Brooks had all of his eight points, including two dunks, in the second half.
Diante Watkins
All the teams travel to Shenzhen today. The final leg of the tour starts tomorrow as the USA will try to avenge their only loss as they will battle Lithuania.
NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars
Diante Watkins (Robert Morris/Germany) 30 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals
Brandon Clark (Santa Clara) 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Mikey Thompson (Boise State) 4 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Aaron Rountree (Wake Forest/Iona) 6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks
Thomas Bropleh (Boise State/NBA D-League) 10 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals
James Crowder (Pfeiffer/Finland) 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Javier Carter (South Alabama/NBA D-League) 20 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block, 2 assists, 1 steal
Julius Brooks (Loyola-MD/Latvia) 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Will Artino (Creighton/Estonia) 9 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals
Mardracus Wade (Arkansas/NBA D-League) 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals
Media inquiries can be directed to Carl Berman at carl@netscoutsbasketball.com.
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