Team USA Basketball defeated Panama 88-58 during their AmeriCup group stage clash on Monday, thereby giving them hope of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition. Following an opening game defeat to Mexico, Team USA was in desperate need of a victory in order to keep their hopes of advancing in the tournament alive.
Norris Cole, a former NBA guard for the Miami Heat, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, emerged as the Americans’ key player, scoring 17 points. Craig Sword also impressed spectators with an 11-point contribution to the game.
USA Basketball’s tournament got off to a rough start, narrowly losing to Mexico 73-67. While leading Venezuela 48-21 at halftime during their second group game on Sunday, USA will have to wait until Tuesday to complete the game after it was postponed due to heavy leakage through the stadium roof due to rain.
According to Team USA coach Alex Jensen, the team is focused on improving their own performances each day with the belief that results will follow. “We’ve got to peak at the right time,” Jensen remarked. “I think we took a step in that direction tonight.”
Because Venezuela unexpectedly defeated Mexico on Monday, a win against Venezuela could enable Team USA to top the group.
