07/02/2024
USA’S FINAL MATCH ENDS IN…A TIE?!
ATHENS, GREECE - With ancient Greece known as the birthplace of democracy, what better location to have two groups come together in agreement for an improbable ending…a tie. In USA East Coast’s final match in Athens both teams agreed to end the FIBA “friendly” contest with an 86-86 tie at the end of regulation. The USA team started slowly against an efficient Hellas BBC squad finishing the first quarter down 28-15. The second quarter saw USA bounce back to life as they went on a 25-15 run to head into halftime behind 43-40. Both teams traded leads throughout the second half before a final heave by Purdue’s Cam Heide missed left as the horn sounded to end regulation with the tie score.
Providence College’s Corey Floyd led all scorers with 18 points and 9 assists while his Friar teammate Anton Bonke went for 12pts and 4rbs. Purdue’s Will Berg had 10pts and 5rbs before fouling out and Boilermaker Cam Heide fought through ankle soreness to provide 8pts and 2rbs. Cornell’s Nazir Williams was today’s stat-stuffer with 6pts, 4rbs, 5ast, and 3stl before also fouling out. Oklahoma’s Jacolb Cole had a slow start but made big plays down the stretch ending with 4pts, 5rbs, and 3ast. Western Michigan’s Markhi Strickland provided the highlight of the contest with a one-handed tomahawk dunk over two Hellas defenders.
In what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the team will take with them:
- The vibe of New York City throughout training camp
- Walking the grounds of the first Olympic Games as the 2024 Olympic Games begin this August
- Gaining experience playing against top National and Professional clubs
- Touring the world famous Parthenon, Acropolis, and walk where gods and goddesses such as Nike, the Goddess of Victory, have been worshipped for thousands of years
- Competing in custom red, white, and blue uniforms courtesy of Moneyball Sportswear
- Representing themselves, their universities, and their country with pride
- Having Head Coach Alex Jensen, of the NBA Western Conference Champion Dallas Mavericks, conclude USA East Coast’s event by expressing how much these opportunities will benefit them and help open doors as they continue down their path.
- Seaside dining and swimming along the Mediterranean
A special thank you to Cleveland Brothers CAT for continuing to help provide collegiate athletes these opportunities. The team returns to New York City tomorrow where its players will continue on to their respective Universities. Moneyball Sportswear
STATISTICS
Nazir Williams - 21min, 6pts, 4rbs, 5ast, 3stl
RJ Smith - 19min, 5pts, 4rbs, 2ast
Markhi Strickland - 21min; 8pts, 1rb, 1ast, 1stl
Dylan Reilly - 15min, 2pts, 1rbs, 1ast
Ben Gladieux - 11min
Corey Floyd - 23min, 18pts, 4rbs, 9ast, 2stl
Cam Heide - 19min, 8pts, 2reb, 1stl
Pete Boyle - 14min, 3pts, 1ast
Jacolb Cole - 15min, 4pts, 5rbs, 3ast, 1stl
Will Berg - 19min, 10pts, 5rbs, 2ast
Anton Bonke - 21min, 12pts, 4rbs
