The United States men’s national basketball team has moved one step closer to qualifying for next year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup following a 95-77 win over Columbia in their second-round qualifying game.
John Jenkins emerged as the standout player in the match, scoring 26 points, while Langston Galloway and DaQuan Jeffries contributed 14 points a piece. While team USA initially trailed after Columbia opened the scoring, they replied with 12 points, going on to hold the advantage until the end of the match.
USA Coach Jim Boylen directed praise at Jenkins, hailing his leadership. “He loves playing on the road. He loves playing in hostile places. And he’s in great shape. He came in in great condition. He believes in USA Basketball. He believes in what we’re doing. He’s elite at following a game plan and he’s a veteran player who relishes wearing that USA uniform,” Boyen commented.
Jenkins also proved influential in the build-up to the Columbia game, also scoring 24 points in the 105-71 win against Uruguay last Thursday. Currently, Team USA is top of Group F in the second round of World Cup qualifying with seven wins and one loss.
