University of Memphis Athletics
USA Remains Undefeated in World University Games Quarterfinals
Aug 27, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Aug. 27, 2001
BEIJING, China - With the help of 21 points from Juan Dixon (Maryland/Baltimore, Md.) and 20 from Roger Mason (Virginia/Silver Spring, Md.), the USA Men's World University Games Team (5-0) came back from a 20-14 first quarter deficit to earn a 91-62 win over previously unbeaten Great Britain (3-1) Monday.
The win put the U.S. alone at the top of Group K standings and the USA will close the medal quarterfinals round against against South Korea on Aug. 28 at 7:00 p.m. (local). The top team from Group K will then advance to the medal semifinals scheduled for Aug. 30 and the finals will be contested on Aug. 31.
"Great Britain did a nice job early in the game," said USA and Penn State University head coach Jerry Dunn. "They came out very strong, they executed well in their half court offense. It was a well played first six to 10 minutes by Great Britain.
"Overall this was the best that we've played for four quarters, collectively, since we've been here," added Dunn. "Our defense has improved each night out, particularly in this pool play, and it's certainly something we're looking to do each night as the competition gets tougher."
After jumping out to a 7-2 lead in the first 2:54 of the game, the United States' shooting went cold and by the end of the first stanza the U.S. had spotted Great Britain a 20-14 lead. During the opening 10 minutes, the Americans shot a frigid 26.1 percent (6-23 FGs) from the floor, while the Brits connected on 50.0 percent (7-14 FGs) of their shots from the field to go up 20-14 at the first quarter buzzer.
The United States, which had never trailed in its first four games, turned to Mason in the second quarter as he fueled the USA's comeback. Mason, who scored 11 of his 14 second quarter points in a 13-3 run to open the period, helped put the USA back in the lead 27-23 with 5:40 to go in the half.
Following a 3-pointer by Great Britain, Dixon answered with a trey to spark a 16-2 U.S. scoring spree as the United States closed the half in command 43-28. The 3-pointer was one of three by Dixon during the run, while Chris Owens (Texas/Duncanville, Texas) accounted for four on 4-of-4 shooting from the charity stripe and Mason added an additional three. In contrast to its first quarter shooting, the United States made 52.9 percent (9-17 FGs) of its shots in the second period, which included five 3-pointers.
Great Britain never seriously threatened as the USA went up by 32 points, 72-40, to end the third quarter and with two seconds left in the game, 6-11 center Earl Barron(Memphis/Clarksdale, Miss.) stepped out for a 3-pointer to give the USA its final points of the contest.
"It was just the end of the game and I figured I'd give it a try. I hadn't attempted one yet, so I let it fly," Barron said of his trey. "I practice my shots from all over, it's just that I don't get too many opportunities to shoot it like that. But I can make it and that showed it today."
Barron received his most playing time of the tournament, going 2-for-3 and finishing with five points and five rebounds in 14 minutes of play.
Great Britains's Michael Bernard posted a double-double with 19 points and a game high 13 rebounds, while Refilo Lethunya and Julius Joseph scored 16 and 12 points, respectively.
The USA finished the contest shooting 40.5 percent from the field, while Great Britain converted on 33.3 percent of its shots. The United States outrebounded the Brits 53-38 and forced 22 turnovers, while only committing 13 turnovers. Additionally, the Americans converted on 11 of 15 fast breaks and Great Britain notched just six points off the fast break.
