USA Went Down to the Wire with Rival Great Britain

Fourth quarter heroics by Jake Williams was not enough to bolster the Americans past the defending World Champions, Great Britain. Williams delivered 12 of Team USA’s 19 points in the fourth quarter against the British.

“I tried to stay in the moment and take what the defense gives me. If they leave me open, I’m probably gonna make it,” said Williams.

USA needed Williams’ performance to anchor

this comeback effort, as it was an off-shooting night for the team. Through halftime, the usually reliable team offense only shot 41% from the field, while Britain registered 58%. Although the offense lacked its usual punch, the defense of this American Paralympic Team consistently created opportunities to close the gap. In total, Great Britain turned the ball over 15 times, nine of which were steals by the athletic American squad.

Williams led the Americans with three steals, while three other players added two of their own. In total, the team converted 15 total turnovers into 14 points.

Head Coach, Ron Lykins, said the team missed some opportunities and wasn’t able to get enough from the opportunities they had.

“We had some (steals), but we didn’t get enough from it. We missed a couple layups on breaks, which if we make those what would the score be,” he said.

This squad has yet to put together their best four quarters of basketball and has yet to find their touch, collectively, in the first three games of the tournament. Their defense has been stifling at times and is showing the strength of this roster. On the offensive end, the squad is generating enough good looks.

An offensive adjustment that Coach Lykins discussed is not deferring when a good shot is available.

“We talked about being aggressive on the offensive end. We want guys to take the looks that they have. There are times where guys are passing when they have an open look, which creates more contested looks for their teammates,” he said.

Although this nail biter of a game resulted in a loss, it was a one-point margin. That level of a margin against the reigning World Champions does not warrant massive adjustments.

Steve Serio, Team USA Co-Captain, was unwavering in his confidence in his teammates.

“This is a team of great shooters and we just need to take our shots with a little more confidence,” he said.

The team will have an opportunity to do exactly that against a very strong undefeated Australian team thus far in the tournament. They tip off against the Aussies on Sunday, August 29^th at 2:45PM Japan Standard Time.