USA/GRE - USA put the pedal to the metal

AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - After a tense and enthralling first half, the USA has put their foot to the floor to overcome an undisciplined Greek team, 85-69.

The USA used a 22-17 third quarter to extend their narrow half time lead to double figures at the last change, with Greece taking their focus off their excellent execution that had troubled the US and turning it to the referees.

The chief destroyer for the Americas runner up was Howard Thompkins, who relished the physical battle in the paint to collect 22 points on 10/14 shooting. The USA out-rebounded Greece 38-26 and scored 34 points in the paint to Greece’s 18, thanks largely to Thompkins.

In the final quarter the USA locked down the defence, were steady from the free throw line and never gave the European champions the chance to challenge.

It was a different story in the first two quarters as both teams repeatedly made tough shots to overcome the aggressive defence.

Greece in particular were outstanding from the perimeter, nailing 8/19 from long range in the first half. After half time they could not get free and managed just 3/6.

Thompkins was well supported by Gordon Howard (9 points, 5 rebounds), John Shurna, Tyshawn Taylor, Seth Curry and Ashton Gibbs (all 8 points) in what was a true team performance.

For Greece, only Nikolaos Pappas could break the Americans shackles in the second half, scoring 7 of his 11 points. Pappas grabbed 4 rebounds and handed out 4 assists, but received scant support down the stretch, with only Kostas Sloukas (10 points) joining him in double figures.

The undefeated USA play Puerto Rico at 7:30pm Tuesday night at the North Shore Events Centre, in what could be a classic American shoot out.

Greece, with just two wins on the board, face Egypt at 5:00pm at ASB Stadium, in a game that is crucial to their chances of progressing to the quarter finals.


Howard Thompkins, USA :

“I decided today that I was going to be very, very aggressive. I heard that Greece like to bump and bang, I decided I was going to be the guy to initiate it first.

Greece, they move the ball well, they play as a team. It seems like they use ball screens a lot, and they know how to penetrate and dish and they know how to create. They’re a good team and it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw them again.”

FIBA