INDIANAPOLIS (United States) - USA opened the second window of the 2022 AmeriCup Qualifiers in dominant fashion by blowing out the Bahamas, 99-59. Former Duke star Amile Jefferson led all scorers with 17 points and added 11 rebounds in USA’s first game back since the coronavirus outbreak.

"To be back out there after a great week of practicing and getting to know each other, and building chemistry was amazing," said Jefferson. "I thought our guys played really hard and aggressive… so I was really happy with our performance today."

Despite only having a seven-man rotation due to COVID-19 protocols, the Bahamas kept the game competitive in the first quarter, initially down by only 10 points as D’Shon Taylor led the way. Taylor finished 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.

"The Bahamas came out really aggressive and they have some really good players, unfortunately, only had seven players so they were a little short manned," Jefferson added. "But, they came out great, but I thought we responded well."

After the first quarter, it was all team USA as they began to overpower their shorthanded Group D opponent.

"Seeing that we weren’t able to bring our full team and going into the zone early, it kind of worked us hard seeing they were moving the ball pretty well," Taylor said in the post-game conference. "Then as the game went on, it kind of wears down."

USA got into a rhythm as point guard Trevor Trice, who finished with 10 points and six assists, served as an efficient floor general, dishing out to the perimeter for 3-pointers by John Jenkins and into the paint to Jefferson. Thanks to efficiency on both sides of the floor, the USA led by 24 points at the half.

"We didn’t execute as much as we wanted to," Taylor added.

The USA lead grew to as much as 43 points. Jefferson and the rest of the U.S. squad did not let up as they continued their lockdown defense, great ball movement and high shooting percentage. Team USA shot an average of 50 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Bahamas 55 to 32. It was an overall team effort as 50 points came from the bench and five players were in double figures.

After the game, Fratello applauded his players for coming out strong in the second half despite their large cushion. He referenced their win against Puerto Rico during the first qualifying window where they got out to a big lead but almost let their lead slip away late in the fourth quarter.

"We tried to explain to them this is what happens if you get up and then you don't play the same way," said Fratello. "After you get up big. You forget about it. We relax and we get out of your stance. You allow them to get wide open shots that are not contested. At halftime, understand we wanna come out and win this third quarter. You're not losing anything off the lead and they did a very good job of concentrating on that."

Now, the United States (3-0) is looking to clinch its spot in the 2022 AmeriCup with a win against Mexico tomorrow. Beyond the court, Jefferson, who played for legendary Duke basketball and USA basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, said it's an honor to represent his country and compete for USA basketball.

"For the guys playing, to put this jersey on and play for USA Basketball is the ultimate sign of playing for something bigger than yourself," said Jefferson. "For me, I played for Coach K and the joy and love that he had for his country was amazing so to be a part of that, any part of that is amazing. We have such a great coaching group here. I'm super proud to be able to play for them, and to play for USA Basketball."

FIBA