Ben Moore nearly gets double-double in USA’s win over Uruguay
By Ben Gibson
Indiana Pacers wing Ben Moore nearly had a double-double as USA hammered down on Uruguay during a FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Team USA hammered down Uruguay 114-57 to improve to 6-1 in FIBA World Cup qualifying on Friday night, and Indiana Pacers wing Ben Moore nearly had a double-double in the rout.
Moore came off the bench to score 9 points and grab 8 rebounds while also finding time for 2 assists and a steal. More got both of his baskets at the rim and got himself to the foul line for the rest.
Ben went 2 from 2 from the floor while just missing one of his five free throws on the night. Moore’s 8 rebounds were just one off Henry Ellenson’s team and game-high.
Around the 1:20 mark of the highlights below, you can see Moore clean up a missed USA shot for a rebound and dunk to add to his stats on the night.
The lopsided win over Uruguay isn’t moving him up Nate McMillan’s rotations, but Moore got just over 14 minutes on the floor and showed off some of the motor and effort that keeps him on Indiana’s radar.
Jeff Van Gundy and his players were hardly challenged by Uruguay as they held the South American nation to just 32.7 percent shooting from the field. When you’re shooting 63.6 percent from the floor and 52.6 from deep, routs are going to happen just as they did on Friday night.
The USA squad scored 28 points in each of the opening three quarters while holding Uruguay to a combined 40 points through three quarters, resulting in an 84-40 advantage going into the final quarter.
The USA had 11 steals and turned Uruguay’s turnovers into 24 points while only allowing 6.
Team USA is in action again on Monday when they head south to Panama City to visit host Panama for another second-round game for the red, white, and blue.