BELGRAGE, Serbia — After contributing to Team USA’s shooting struggles through three exhibition games, Penn State guard Talor Battlewent a perfect 4-of-4 from the floor for 11 points as Team USA rolled past Finland 87-40 in its first game at the 2009 World University Games on Friday.
Battle was one of four players on Team USA to reach double-figures. Craig Brackins (Iowa State) and Corey Fisher (Villanova) paced the balanced attack with 12 points apiece while Robbie Hummel (Purdue) scored 10 in a game that saw all 12 team members contribute to the scoring column.
Team USA (1-0) held Finland (1-1) scoreless over the final 8:50 by forcing its opponent into shooting 1-of-15 from the field during the final 10 minutes. With defense fueling its offense, USA poured in 23 points in the final stanza, including a 21-0 game-ending run.
“We came out of the gate slow, but we picked it up,” Battle said. “Especially in the second half. In the last quarter, we held them to two points. It started on the defense. We made stops, and we were able to get out on transitions and score some baskets.”
Team USA closes out preliminary play against South Korea (0-1) today at 2 p.m.
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