Derek Needham
The NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars played by far their best game of the China tour, topping host China 88-82 in a well-played game. The USA lead the entire game running out to a ten-point lead after the first quarter and was up 63-51 after the third quarter.
China cam back in the fourth quarter led by Lin Chang and Tonglin Sun who each scored 16 points. China out-rebounded the Americans 32-22 but the USA pulled down several key rebounds in the fourth quarter.
Robert Crawford provided scoring off the bench with eight first half points, including two three-pointers. USA point guard Derek Needham finally got untracked scoring 24 points on 5-of-6 from long distance. Needham added five rebounds and three steals. Devin Sweetney led the USA with 25 points, his fourth 20+ point effort of the tour.
This was a high level game at times. The USA played with confidence and it showed on both sides of the ball. Guys were competitive and executed well. They made plays individually and as a group. The USA answered each of China’s runs in the 2nd half, fueled by defense and rebounding.
Canada topped Latvia 106-84 earlier. The Canadians shots over 50% for the game including 50% on three-pointers.
Tomorrow is a travel day as the teams head to the Wuqi District of Yanan City.
Devin Sweetney
USA (88)
Derek Needham, PG (Fairfield) 24 points (5-of-6 3’s), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
Oliver McNally, G (Harvard, NBL Canada) 2 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists
Derrick Rodgers, PG (Portland) 4 points, 1 rebound
Mike Moore, G (Hofstra, Lithuania) 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Robert Crawford, G/F (Central Arkansas) 8 points (2-of-3 3’s), 1 rebound, 1 assist
Mike Davis, C (Seton Hall, Romania) 1 point, 2 rebounds
Jonathan Morse, F (Metro State) 7 points, 2 rebounds
Devin Sweetney, G/F (St. Francis-PA, NBL Canada) 25 points, 2 rebounds
Roger Franklin, F/G (North Texas) 7 points, 2 rebounds
Jason Conrad, C/F (Chico State) 8 points, 3 rebounds
Isaac Butts, C (Appalachian St., NBL Canada) 0 points, 2 rebounds
