FIBA - US vs. CHINA

USA leads China 27-14 at the end of the 1st Quarter.  Young leads US scorers with 7, Howard has 5 and CC has 5 pts and 3 assists.

USA leads China 49-29 at the half.  Howard leads USA scorers with 11, Gray has 10 and Stewart 7.  Stewart leads with 7 rebounds, Collier is 2nd with 5 and Copper 3rd with 3 rebounds. CC has 5 assists in about 8 minutes of floor time. Copper has 2 assists in about 15 minutes of floor time.

The third quarter saw the USA continuing to build its lead over China.  Howard leads scorers 14, Young 2nd with 12 and CC is third with 8 points.  Stewart leads rebounders with 7, Collier has 6 and Copper 5 rebounds.  CC leads with 7 assists, although the announcers and the Owl think it's really 8, Young has 3 and Stewart.

Final score, the United States downs Communist China 94-61.  CC, Paige and Rhyne lead the USA scorers with 14 points each.  Angel had 9 rebounds, 2nd Stewart 7 rebounds and Collier grabbed 6 rebounds.  CC picked up a double double with a team leading 11 assists, Paige was 2nd with 4 assists, Sonia and Young tied for 3rd with 3 assists each.

The major takeaway is Team USA was much more talented and skilled.  The young Americans, CC, Paige, Angel, Sonia and Rhyne looked much more athletic and connected than the older players.  CC, was looking for Paige and Angel but delivered the ball all over the USA roster.  Angel showed leadership on the perimeter by looking off the ball and pointing to the wide open CC for a 3.  Aliyah played well on the floor, in only 14 minutes.  Aliyah's defense against the much larger Chinese centers, 6'11' and 7'5", was particularly impressive.

The CC watch is off to a great international start.  CC lead the team with a double double, a +/- 30, efficiency 22 and created 36 points in 25 minutes.  A pretty good way to kick off this tournament.