Game Recap
With an automatic Worlds berth on the line, the United States faced off with rival Uruguay in the Americas Semifinal in Mexico on Friday night. This being the most important game of the season, and with the US star Joe Bronson injured, GM-Jason called up Point Guard Jamie Nix to be the team's floor general.
Both teams went with inside offenses, but Uruguay surprisingly used a 2-3 zone to counter the Americans inside attack. Uruguay, having low enthusiasm due to having Jairo's homemade enchiladas with Tecate pregame, used the controversial defensive tactic in order to shore up their inside defense and rebounding. By the end of the 1st half though, it was obvious that neither team was interested in playing any defense, as the US had a 59-50 lead.
At halftime Jason implored the team to play some defense in the 2nd half, and brian of course tried to bribe them, but to no avail as the 3rd quarter was no different, both teams scoring at will. The Uruguayans never truly threatened, at times cutting the lead under 10, but could gain no more momentum. The US closed out the game with the only drama being that Coco, Jason, Wozz and I got into a brawl during the 4th quarter over something completely unrelated to the game.
Small Forward Bill Weeks, in his rookie season with the NT, led the team with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Big man Lorenzo Bland chipped in with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
This means the US NT streak of never missing a Worlds is still alive! The U.S. will now face Chile on Sunday, 9pm Eastern to decide the winner of the Americas Tournament. Though this game will only be for pride, please join us and watch as the US battles for Americas gold!