WASHINGTON — Even without a roster full of current NBA stars, the United States breezed through this World Cup qualifying window.
It hasn't always been that easy.
Langston Galloway scored 16 points and former pro standout Joe Johnson added 14 to guide America to an 89-67 win over Mexico on Sunday in qualifying for next year's World Cup. The Americans avenged their lone loss of this qualifying round, defeating the previously unbeaten Mexican team in a game that was not close after the first few minutes.
The US led 48-21 at halftime.
Coach Jim Boylen said, "We started this camp with Mexico from our heart. They humbled us in Mexico and we were ready to play against them." "They beat us down the 3-point line, and they beat us badly, and so I have to give credit to my men. They came prepared."
With these qualifying games being the only NBA season, most of the U.S. The players came from the G League. Still, the Americans avoided a last-place finish in their four-team group and on Sunday, Puerto Rico beat Cuba 65-62 to advance to the next round of qualifying.
During the first qualifying window – in Mexico in November – the US defeated Cuba by five and lost to Mexico 97–88. The American roster changed significantly for this window, and the U.S. won both games comfortably in Washington. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 93-76 on Thursday night. The next qualifying window is in July.
"The first window was very difficult. Cuba gave us a game. We were down in the last five minutes," Boylen said. "I thought Mexico, last time we played them, was more physical than us, tougher than us. They shot the ball with incredible speed."
Johnson, 40, a seven-time NBA All-Star, won this U.S. The biggest name of the team. Galloway also has good NBA experience. David Stockton, whose Hall of Fame father, John, was in attendance on Sunday, scored 15 points.
"I was waiting for the opportunity," said 30-year-old guard Galloway, who has played for seven NBA teams, most recently the Bucks and Nets this season. "I was fortunate to be in the G League to be able to play in this position. This opportunity doesn't come often, so it was really a blessing for me."
Mexico (3–1) never took the lead in a rematch against the US. The Americans scored 14–0 at the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, taking a 33–14 lead.
Fabian Jaimes led Mexico with 11 points.
"It was the first half. We were flat in the first half," said Mexico coach Omar Quintero. "We did a very easy look for him."
The World Cup is scheduled from August 25 to September 10 next year in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. Teams can qualify directly from the World Cup for the 2024 Olympics.