USA Destroys United Arab Emirates, 140-46

Today is a great day for United States basketball. The Under 19 team just completed an unbeaten run to a gold medal and in their first game at the World University Games, the USA absolutely ripped apart the United Arab Emirates. The final score was 140-46 as the Americans never once let their foot off the peddle.

When the final buzzed sounded, nine different American players had scored in double digits. Their top scorer was Cincinatti’s shooting guard Sean Kilpatrick who finished with 18 points. Point guard Yogi Ferrell, an Indiana Hoosier, set a team record with 13 assists and also added 15 points and four steals.

Aside from Ferrell, two other players recorded double-doubles. Baylor’s Corey Jefferson had 14 points and 11 rebounds and New Mexico’s Alex Kirk had 10 points and 12 boards. Two of the USA’s expected big scorers Creighton’s Doug McDermott and Indiana’s Will Sheehey both added 15 points in limited minutes. McDermott’s performance was especially impressive considering he scored 15 points in 13 minutes and only missed one of his seven field goal attempts.

The American defense bothered the United Arab Emirates all game as they shot 18 for 63 as a team. That total adds up to a paltry 28.5% shooting, a truly terrible display of shooting. Only two of their players scored in double digits.

Up next for the Americans is the Czech Republic on July 8th. They will hope to be able to continue the type of dominating effort they showed against the United Arab Emirates. The goal for the World University Games is to redeem themselves from their 5th place finish in 2011.