Tianjin, China – The NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars came back from a ten point second half deficit to top Lithuania 91-81 and even their record at 1-1 in Tianjin. The Americans had six players in double-figures led by Keion Bell’s 16 points. Jay-R Strowbridge (15), Markieth Cummings (14), Robert Thurman (13), Jamal Wilson (10) and Sam Coleman (10) also scored in double-figures.
It was a hard fought victory for the USA as they battled back from a 51-41 third quarter deficit. At halftime Lithuania was out-rebounding the Americans by 26-12. The USA pulled down seven offensive rebounds in the second half and won the game despite being out-rebounded by 15. Lithuania shot 59 percent on their two-point attempts but were only 4-of-18 (22 percent) from long distance. That, combined with the USA forcing Lithuania into 22 turnovers, was the difference in the game.
Cummings kept the USA in the game early scoring 11 of his 14 points in the first six minutes. Stowbridge and Bell were key in the USA comeback in the late third and fourth quarters, scoring 22 of their combined 31 points over that span. Thurman was solid inside as the only true USA center. Strowbridge, along with Wilson, Coleman, Dominic Cheek and Josh Clyburn brought second half energy to the second unit to help turn the game around. Nate Rohnert was solid at point for the first unit and made a key three-point play to extend the American lead to 11 with five minutes left in the game.
USA Head Coach Rod Jensen: “The team stepped up their defensive pressure and forced the action in the second half. That effort enabled us to get the win over a good team despite being hurt on the boards. I’m looking for more consistent solid effort throughout the game. Hopefully that will occur and we’ll continue to improve.”
The USA will face the Tianjin CBA team tomorrow night in the late, 9PM game.
NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars
Nate Rohnert (Denver) 3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Jay-R Strowbridge (Oregon) 15 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
Keion Bell (Pepperdine/Missouri) 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Jamal Wilson (Rhode Island) 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
Markeith Cummings (Kennesaw State) 14 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 2 steals
Dominic Cheek (Villanova) 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block
Jeff Powers (California) 0 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Josh Clyburn (Queens) 4 points, 1 rebound
Sam Coleman (Coppin State) 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
Robert Thurman (California) 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal
In the first game of the night an impressive group from Ukraine edged the China Junior National Team 81-78 in a thriller. The Ukrainians boast six players 6’10” and taller and most are wide and strong in addition to being tall. Their guards are all active, quick and can shoot.
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