Panama City • U.S. coach Jeff Van Gundy came into the start of this second round of qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup cautioning his players that they would face enormous challenges.
They clearly heeded his words, and the Americans are now closing in on a trip to China next year.
Reggie Hearn scored 12 points, Dwayne Bacon added 10 and the U.S. easily got past Panama 78-48 in a qualifying game Monday night. The Americans have won both of their second-round qualifying games so far, winning them by a combined 87 points.
“It’s just an honor to be able to go to another country and wear this jersey,” said U.