A convincing 115-47 win over Russia Saturday improved the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team improved to 3-0 at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic.
Tennessee rising junior Jarnell Stokes was once again in the American starting lineup – as he has been since the team began play in Prague – and contributed six points, six rebounds and a pair of steals to the victory over the Russians.
The Memphis, Tenn., native was 3-for-3 from the field Saturday and is shooting .722 thus far at the championships. He is averaging 10.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 13 minutes per game.
“We played one of our best all-around games (Saturday),” Stokes said. “We handled our business for 40 minutes.”
Team USA enjoyed a 74-20 advantage in points-in-the-paint against Russia while scoring 37 points off turnovers.
Saturday’s lopsided triumph, coupled with similarly overpowering victories vs. Ivory Coast and China, has led to Team USA’s starters logging minimal minutes.
The Americans are off Sunday before returning to action in second-round play Monday vs. Brazil (1-2).
Stokes averaged 16.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in two wins over Brazil at last summer’s U18 FIBA Americas Championships.
In second-round action, each team will play games against the three teams they have not already faced in preliminary play. Results from all preliminary-round games carry over to the second round. Second round games will be held in Prague’s O2 Arena and Podvinny Mlyn Arena.
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