Shenzhen, China – The NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars (5-2) defeated a much improved Canadian team (2-6) 95-89 in front of 7,121 fans at the Bao’an Gymnasium in Shenzhen. The USA was in control of the game throughout, maintaining a lead of six to 13 points while Canada made the final score close by hitting their last six field goal attempts. Thomas Bropleh led five Americans in double figures with 19 points.
The USA All-Stars got off to another good start, taking a 29-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Canada cut the deficit to 46-40 at the half. The USA extended that lead to 81-68 midway through the fourth quarter before Canada closed the deficit late in the contest with their hot shooting. The Americans dominated the boards, out-rebounding Canada by 16 including a +9 advantage on the offensive boards. The USA pulled down 18 offensive rebounds and had three players, Javier Carter (13), Julius Brooks (10) and Will Artino (10) in double figures in rebounds.
The USA shot well from long distance (43%, 12-of-28), but shot only 38% on two point attempts, missing quite a few makeable shots inside. Canada kept the game close with 50% two-point shooting and by hitting 10-of-30 three-point attempts. Alex Campbell led Canada with 20 points. Joining Bropleh in double figures for the Americans were point guard Diante Watkins (16 points, 3-of-5 3’s), Mardracus Wade (15 points, 2-of-4 3’s), Will Artino (12 points) and Mikey Thompson (10 points). Thompson played his best game of the trip and helped provide Watkins with enough rest for him to finish the game strongly..
Javier Carter
The NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars close the tour with a game against host China tonight. A close to capacity crowd of about 10,000 is expected. China (4-4) upset Lithuania (4-4) last night. The USA would clinch the tournament title tonight with a win.
NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars
Diante Watkins (Robert Morris/Germany) 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals
Brandon Clark (Santa Clara) 0 points, 3 rebounds
Mikey Thompson (Boise State) 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Aaron Rountree (Wake Forest/Iona) 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
Thomas Bropleh (Boise State/NBA D-League) 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
James Crowder (Pfeiffer/Finland) 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Javier Carter (South Alabama/NBA D-League) 8 points, 13 rebounds, 1 block, 2 assists
Julius Brooks (Loyola-MD/Latvia) 6 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block
Thomas Bropleh
Will Artino (Creighton/Estonia) 12 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Mardracus Wade (Arkansas/NBA D-League) 15 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
Media inquiries can be directed to Carl Berman at carl@netscoutsbasketball.com.
Information on NetScouts Basketball can be obtained here. Detailed articles on the tour will be found on the NetScouts Basketball Blog. Email carl@netscoutbasketball.com to get on the mailing list for tour related articles, information and photos
