By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Team USA got what they wanted against Mexico, but the final 86-63 is not as impressive as expected. Of course the losing side never had the lead, but at least Gustavo Ayon with 25 points and 8 rebounds proved to be a huge trouble for the front line of Team USA. The back court gave the win to coach K’s unit as Steph Curry had 20 points on 7/10 shots and Klay Thompson added 15. In total Team USA had 13/29 three pointers.
According to Curry defense was once more the key: “We came out better in the first five minutes with a lot of energy. Our defense is the thing that’s keeping us going, to put pressure on our opponents and take away their offenses”. USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski agreed with him: “Overall I was pleased with our game, because it was the sixth in eight days. We continued to play good defense. Until the last few minutes when they threw in two-three quick threes. Our defense on the three was terrific.”
Gustavo Ayon was more than happy, even if he is still searching for his next contract: “I’m happy coming off this performance against the best team in the competition. I need to first rest. I don’t want to discuss where (which club) I’ll go to. It was a great experience to play here. I think our target was to enter the Round of 16. And we achieved that.The point is that we knew even before the event began, any team in this round will be a very tough challenge. We are well aware of our status”.