15th Annual Douai U19 World Amateur Basketball Championships 2001

USA defeats Tournament favorite Argentina in exhibition

6/1/01- Ausich, France - If there was any question whether the USA had a team that could compete for the Douai U19 World Championship, it may have been answered last night.  6'3 Sr PG Billy Edelin, who led Oak Hill Academy, to a perfect 33-0 record, and a National Championship, continued his winning ways as he scored a game high 26 points, seven assist, and led the USA past Argentina, 95-85.  Camelo Anthony added 13 points, Marques Hayden 11, Jawad Williams and Corey Gibbs both scored 10 points. 

Argentina was led by 6'9 Diego Brezzo with 19 points. Diego is a very aggressive power forward.  6'7 Alejandro Aloatti added 14 points on the perimeter.

The USA trailed by as many as 12 points, but closed out the first half with a 41-38 lead.  The USA was able to gradually build a lead in the second half and cruise to victory.   

The USA players had the odds against them coming into the game.   Argentina had built a 4-0 record coming into the game.  They had plenty of time to rest because they were already in France for a week.  The USA had just arrived from 14 hour flights, and a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to Douai, before practicing one hour to prepare for their game.

"Wil Robinson and I came in prepared." said Linzy Davis.   "We established our philosophy, kept it simple,  and rehersed the fundamentals they need to focus on, in order to be successful in the international game.   The guys did a great job of following the game plan, and they earned the victory."

The USA begins pool play tomorrow against France.  The game will be at 6:30 pm in Dourges.

USA vs France recap June 2.   We have game photo's, stats,  and players signing autographs.