WASHINGTON (United States) – United States hit 12 of their 17 three-pointers in the second half to pull away from Puerto Rico en route to an emphatic 108-66 victory Friday night at Entertainment and Sports Arena in the nation’s capital. Stephen Silas’ squad did their damage early inside the arc before unleashing an avalanche of long-range strikes in the third to blow the game wide open.
Turning point
A 10-0 run to start the third quarter finally broke Puerto Rico after an extremely competitive first half – despite the Americans going up 46-35 at the end of the second quarter. Javonte Smart and Robert Covington hit back-to-back threes, and the game quickly got out of hand for Carlos Gonzalez and his guys as the U.S. won the third period 32-14.
Player of the game
Smart had a game-high 28 efficiency thanks to a stat line of 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a block. The 25-year-old went 7-for-9 from the field in 23 minutes.
Jahmius Ramsey came alive in the third quarter, scoring 10 of his 18 points to lead his country’s long-range attack. He finished 4-for-7 from downtown. Eleven-year NBA veteran Robert Covington (15 points and 9 rebounds) and point guard David Stockton (8 points and 10 assists) also put on fantastic performances for the winning side. Phillip Wheeler (12 points) was Puerto Rico’s only player in double digits. Arnaldo Toro added 6 points and 6 boards.
Stats don't lie
Team USA put on an offensive masterclass, finishing with 28 assists on 36 made baskets and shooting 56.3 percent from the field and 45.9 percent from beyond the arc. The defense wasn’t far behind, holding Puerto Rico to just 36.5 percent from the field. The boricuas only made 2 three-pointers in 12 attempts. The U.S. also got contributions from up and down its roster and the bench outscored Puerto Rico’s 52-33. They also had just 7 turnovers, while generating 20 points off their opponent’s 14 miscues.
Bottom line
After splitting a pair against Cuba in February, the U.S. is back to a positive record (2-1) in Group D. They’ll now host Bahamas (1-2) on Monday. Puerto Rico (1-2) will travel to Havana to face the undefeated Cuba (3-0) on Monday.
FIBA