Shaq Goodwin Shines in USA U18 Team’s Rout of Virgin Islands

Memphis pledge Shaq Goodwin scored a game-high 30 points on Saturday to lead USA Basketball’s U18 squad to a 105-42 thrashing of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the team’s opening game at the 2012 FIBA Americas Championship.

Goodwin shot a perfect 12 of 12 from the floor, pulling down six rebounds as well in just 18 minutes of action. The bouncy 6-foot-8 power forward used his strong body and high motor to dominate an overmatched Virgin Islands front court in the paint.

Tennessee sophomore Jarnell Stokes followed up Goodwin’s 30 with 19 points of his own, while Duke signee Rasheed Sulaimon and Class of 2013 stud Julius Randle (unsigned) tallied 12 points apiece.

Maryland-bound forward Jake Layman led all players in rebounds with 10, which is a bit surprising given Layman’s frail frame. The 6-foot-8, 180-pound future Terrapin has had trouble crashing the glass on the AAU circuits, where he competes against stronger and more physical big men. Don’t read too much into Layman’s uncharacteristically strong showing on the boards, as he was bigger than all but one player on the Virgin Islands. A perimeter-oriented player with a smooth jump shot and good athleticism, Layman’s game remains more about finesse than physicality.

The U.S. outrebounded the Virgin Islands 64-30 on the afternoon. Billy Donovan’s team also notched 14 second-chance points. The Virgin Islands had zero points off offensive rebounds.

Team USA held a 48-24 halftime advantage and built on that lead in the third quarter. The U.S. outscored the Virgin Islands 28 to 8 in the third quarter, extending its lead to 76-32 at the end of three. Team USA continued to pour it on in the fourth, scoring a game-high 29 points in the final period to close out the game.

Next up for the U.S. is a Sunday matinee against fellow Group A member Mexico. Tipoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. (EST).