International play isn’t like the NBA. There is still a big role for traditional bigs and slowing things down is a valid strategy. Montenegro head coach Boško Radoviu0107’s game plan took advantage of both in Manila Friday and for most of the game, the plan worked against Team USA. Once again, though, it was the depth of the Americans that prevailed, However, one member of the U.S. bench, a slumping Cam Johnson, didn’t play at all, the only DNP on the night. Final score: USA 85, Montenegro 73.
It was Team USA’s first tough test and may well prove a template for other international teams facing the Americans.