ORLANDO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) – USA started the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers with a 85-78 win over Puerto Rico.

It was a hard-fought encounter, that started with a three-point shootout. Puerto Rico captured an early lead with great work from Ricky Sanchez, who had 11 points. USA looked better on the second half, and with great contributions from Warney, the team coached by Van Gundy took the lead. Puerto Rico played catch-up, but defensive mistakes catapulted the USA to the win.

"I was really proud of our guys. For those of our players that have played in a FIBA game, I think (they) knew what to expect, but those that had not played in a FIBA game, it was harder for them initially to adapt and adjust," said USA head coach Jeff Van Gundy. "We got hit with haymakers early, and I was really proud of our guys. We played well down the stretch and we made big time plays. I’m really proud of them, happy for them."

The "haymakers" Van Gundy referred to were the six three-pointers that Puerto Rico hit to start the game and push the islanders to an 18-10 lead over the USA seven minutes into the game. Behind the scoring of Travis Wear and AmeriCup veteran Xavier Munford, the USA fought back to take a 38-35 lead. Puerto Rico scored the next two baskets to lead 39-38 at the half.

Jameel Warney led the scoring for the USA with a 17-point and 11-rebound “double-double”. Reggie Hearn also had 17. Munford finished with 12.

Angel Vassallo led Puerto Rico with 16 points. Angel Rodriguez added 13 and 8 assists.

On their next game, USA will host Mexico in Greensboro, North Carolina, on November 26, while Puerto Rico will travel to Habana, Cuba, to face the Cubans on the same day.

FIBA