Men's Game #4 vs. Great Britain

United States Obliterates Great Britain to Improve to 4-0

Written By Colin Whited

In a game that was never expected to be close, the United States failed to disappoint, limiting Great Britain to two first half points en route to a 105-9 victory. The win places the Americans atop pool A with a 4-0 record. "The objective today was to work on our weaknesses", U.S. head coach Keith Westhoelter explained afterwards. "And I feel that we accomplished that."

Right from the get-go, the Americans proved to be too strong for the under-sized Britons, out-scoring them 25-2 in the first quarter and shutting them out in the second period 31-0, taking a 56-2 lead into the locker room at intermission. Overall, the Yanks would force 35 turnovers and out-rebound Great Britain 47-22.

Kevin Berrigan (Frederick, Md.) led all scorers with 18 points and pulled down five rebounds, despite playing only 14 minutes, the fewest of Team USA.

After the game, he quoted the late John Wooden, saying, "Never mistake activity for achievement. Yes, today wasn't competitive, and it's nothing to celebrate over either". Berrigan, who is always one to make historical allusions, also added, "It would be foolish for us to settle for what we've accomplished thus far."

For most of the game, the source of offense for the U.S. came in transition. However, the success of the Americans was more than their ability to master the fastbreak.

The United States implemented a match-up zone after the first period, the first time they've used a defensive scheme other than man-to-man during the entire tournament. The Americans had first practiced it in a shoot-around before the game. Westhoelter lauded the team's effort with their zone, saying that he's never seen such efficient communication with the match-up zone in such a limited time of practice.

"Usually when we first use the match-up, there are a few kinks", Westhoelter said. "But with this group, the communication is as good as I've ever seen."

In addition to Berrigan, leading the charge for the U.S. was Brandon McMillan (Frederick, Md.) and Gabriel Paulone (Fishers, Ind.), for they each poured in 14 points. Paulone also had five rebounds and five assists, and Greg White (Centeville, Ohio) added 12 points to go along with six rebounds and four assists.

The United States accomplished a goal of Westhoelter's, moving the ball more effectively by dishing out 27 assists on 44 field goals. They shot 44-83 from the field (53%), including a tournament-high nine three-pointers made.

The Americans ended the third quarter with an 84-6 advantage. In a show of good sportsmanship, Westhoelter mandated that his team work the clock on every possession, not allowing a shot to be taken with more than five seconds remaining on the shot clock.

"Despite the game being a blow-out, we used today to work on the weaker aspects of our game", said soft-spoken forward Tyler Crace (Westfield, Ind.), who was one of six Americans to score in double-figures with 11 points. "This way, we were able to gain confidence in the areas in which we needed improvement."

Tomorrow, the United States will seek to secure the number one spot in their pool with a victory over home-country favorite Poland, who sports a 3-1 record despite losing to Venezuela 101-58 earlier today.

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