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Team USA manhandles Venezuela, 80-45


PhilBoxing.com




CHICAGO​ -- The United States Men's Basketball Team (4-0) continued its pre-Olympics exhibition schedule with a 80-45 win over visiting Venezuela (0-1) Friday night (Saturday morning Manila time) at the United Center in Chicago.

The U.S. ​squad ​was led by guards Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson who each had 13 points. Overall, the team shot 42.4% and was only 4 for 25 (16%) from three point range. Venezuela was led by forward John Cox who had 14 points on 6 for 12 shooting.

Venezuela took a hit to its chance at Olympic glory when it became official that guard Greivis Vasquez was unavailable to play in the Games. He is considered one of the best players in the country and is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. They will play in the Group A draw with the U.S. in the preliminary rounds of the 2016 Summer Games.

Always seeing each contest as a test for his squad, Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski praised the visiting team for their tough play. "They did something that we need to be ready for, they made you play defense for 20 seconds at least for every exchange?. We didn't hit shots or complete plays as well as we could, but you have to give them credit for that."

Despite only scoring 80 points in the contest, Coach K still had praise for his players. "I'm proud of my team. We played hard for 40 minutes, you get 54 rebounds and we're playing defense right to the very end."

The game was a chance for Chicago Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler to play in front of his home crowd. He received a warm welcome from the crowd and was heartily cheered each time he handled the ball. Of the experience, he said, "It felt good to be back in Chicago, obviously, playing in front of a lot of familiar faces." On his opportunity to play in the Olympics, he said, "It means the world to me an I want to win. I don't want to say that I was a part of the USA team. I want to say that I was part of the USA team and we won gold."

The U.S. Men's team plays its final exhibition in Houston at the Toyota Center Monday night (Tuesday morning Manila time) against Nigeria.

Photo: Kyrie Irving led the way for the US team with 13 points​.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Adeline Deladisma.


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