Weng’an, China – The NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars (2-1) finished play in Weng’an defeating host China 74-69 in front of a standing room capacity crowd of 4,971. The Americans broke open a close game late in the fourth quarter and took a nine-point lead with one minute remaining. Brandon Hogg led the USA All-Stars in scoring for the third straight game, ending the contest with a game-high 26 points.
The game was tight until the final three minutes. China led 20-19 after the first quarter and the USA took a one-point lead into halftime. The USA maintained a 59-58 lead after three quarters and pulled away late for the win.
Hogg was unstoppable off the dribble continually getting past China’s guards at will. He shot 13-of-20 from the field and had four assists off penetration. Prince Obasi played his best game of the trip, getting extended playing time due to a hip pointer suffered by Bubu Palo. Obasi scored 10 points on 5-of-7 from the field and played solid defense. Palo was injured in the second quarter and did not return. Devin White was solid on the boards, grabbing nine rebounds and scoring 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
Once again the USA All-Stars were much more effective taking the ball to the basket rather than settling for jumpers. They shot 54 percent on two-point attempts and only 13 percent (2-of-15) on three-pointers. The teams battled evenly on the boards with China having a one rebound advantage. The difference in the game was the USA forcing China into 17 turnovers while only committing seven.
Lithuania 3-0) beat Italy 78-66 in the early game, taking the Weng’an tournament title. The USA All-Stars (2-1) came in second with China (1-2) and Italy (0-3). Tomorrow is a travel day as the team’s head to Chenzhou where 101 degree weather awaits them.
NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars
Prince Obasi (Seattle/Colombia) 10 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Bubu Palo (Iowa State/NBADL) 0 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds. 1 steal
Antonio Robinson (East Carolina/England) 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Greg Howard (West Liberty/Mexico) 0 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists
Brandon Hogg (Southern Indiana/England) 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Preston Ross (Western Carolina/Germany) 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
Anthony Young (Kentucky Wesleyan/Argentina) 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Caleb Sutton (Judson/Lithuania) 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
Marcus Byrd (Denver) 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Devin White (Northwestern State/Germany) 10 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks
Reggis Onwukamuche (Prairie View A&M/Mongolia) 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block
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
